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.

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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.