Obituary of Wanzie L. Strickland (Bill), Husband of Maxine Strickland

Wanzie L. Strickland, known to all as Bill Strickland passed peacefully Sunday July, 23, 2017 at the age of 80. Bill was a Veteran of the United States Army and a true Patriot.

Bill Strickland was born October 2,1936 in Neshoba County Mississippi. He loved basketball as a young man and played on several teams which included High School, Military, and on the practice team for the Boston Celtics.  Additionally, he had a passion and love for coaching Little League Baseball teams.  Bill and his wife Maxine founded Sunbelt Fasteners in Houston, Texas in 1980. He spent his later years on his ranch in LaGrange, Texas raising longhorn and antelope.

He is survived by his wife Maxine Strickland of 53 years and seven months, his beloved sister Ann Tolbert, (husband Keith) - Marietta, Georgia, seven loving children; Marc and wife Debbie - Stockon, California, Debbie and husband Lester - Altair, Texas,  Scarlet and husband Julius- LaGrange, Texas, Stephanie and husband Butch - Milbury, Massachusetts, Dennis - LaGrange, Texas, Peter and wife Linda – Franklin, Tennessee, Shane and wife Karen – Round Rock, Texas and Daughter in-law Rita – Granger, Texas. Fourteen Grandchildren, Eleven Great Grandchildren and many, many friends especially Raul Zaragoza.

Bill was a loving gentleman that loved his family, BBQ, sports, animals, his beloved dog "Willie", and being outdoors hunting and fishing.

Celebration of life will be held for friends and family August 5th 10AM-Noon at The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center 250 W. Fairgrounds Road La Grange, Texas.

At the family's request a private ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution can be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.

* * *

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Bill Strickland, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May the souls of the faithful departed
 through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Book Being Published on Oliver Buntin

MESSAGE FROM JIM FARMER ABOUT BOOK COMING OUT ON OLIVER BUNTIN.

The book will be chock full with all sorts of stories, pictures, newspaper articles, awards, etc. Look at subject for Title - SIMPLY THE GREATEST. Some of you have seen my homemade book and a lot of you are familiar with people I talked to when I developed these stories.

The book is on the "launch pad" in countdown now, and I truly believe it will be in our hands later this year. My Uncle Bill Farmer in Choctaw, OK, has put up some money to start, but the publisher, also in Choctaw and great friend of my uncle, says we need about another $1000. I have a few sources including some Farmer relatives who may be willing to help with the cost. It would be great to have some Farmers because of our kinship to the Buntin family. If anyone else would like to help, they will be acknowledged in the book. They can get in touch with you, Ouida, or with me at 601-357-
0020. Thanks, Ouida, and Best Regards.
Jim Farmer
PS I am attaching the Miss Peg picture where Oliver was winning the National Championship in 1968 in Tonawanda, NY.