Springfield – Thomas C. Strickland, Jr., (Tommy), 81, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 after an extended illness.

Son of the late Clyde and Birdie Heidt Strickland, Tommy grew up in Pooler, but moved to Springfield in 1971 when he purchased the Leslie Thompson Funeral Home, which later became Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes with locations in Effingham County and Pooler.

He graduated from Georgia Southern in 1965 and from the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in 1966.  From 1966 until 1972 he served his country in the Georgia Air National Guard.   He was the first funeral director in the state of Georgia to be certified in Eye Enucleation.

An active member of Springfield Oaks Church and the Maturing Disciples Sunday School Class, he also regularly attended Sunday night services at Pine Street Baptist Church in Guyton.  He was recently recognized as a 50 year member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #440 F & AM.

Tommy only loved Jesus more than his precious family, and knew that God had called him to funeral service.  He strived to meet every need of the families he served and took every opportunity to be a witness for Jesus.

He also took every opportunity to spend time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Terri; daughter Kim S. McDonald and her husband, Wade; 2 sons, Thomas C. Strickland, III (Trey) and his wife Amy, Ryan H. Strickland and his wife Kelly; 10 grandchildren, Logan McDaniel (Morgan), Noah McDonald (Casey), Joshua, Emma, and Jonah Strickland, Samuel, Simon, Silas, Abigail, and Abraham Strickland; great-grandson, Malcolm McDonald; sister, Frances Bryan (Robert); brother, Marvin Strickland (Gail); and a number of nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank his special caregiver, Joann Goldwire.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2024 at Springfield Oaks Church.

Entombment will follow at Effingham Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to either, George Brogdon Scholarship Fund, c/o Springfield Oaks Church, 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield, GA 31329 or Strickland Scholarship Fund, c/o Trinity Methodist Church of Pooler, 320 Benton Drive, Pooler, GA 31322.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421