In Loving Memory of Roger (Rod) Strickland (October 13, 1931 – January 27, 2025)
Roger (Rod) Strickland, 93, a beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, peacefully passed away on January 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Carroll County, Virginia, to Hattie Meredith Strickland and W. Cabell Strickland, Rod was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Benice (Bennie) Strickland, his parents, and his three brothers: Horace Strickland, Melvin Strickland, and Harry Strickland, as well as his five sisters: Gladys Sisk, Edith Combs, Juanita Strickland, Emma Snow, and Carrie Mae Sowers.
Rod is survived by his four adoring daughters: Sue Richardson (Stuart) of Gretna, VA; Mary Strickland, M.D. (Bill Forbes) of Danville, PA; Kim Kronsbein (John) of Marion, IL; and Brenda Rosecrans (Alex) of Virginia Beach, VA. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Brandon Richardson, India Richardson, Patrick Richardson (Jamie), Nathan Forbes, Jessica Forbes, Ben Forbes, Andy Kronsbein (Amanda), Kari Kronsbein (Clay Hunt), Austin Rosecrans (Kelsey), Taylor Rosecrans (Erin), and Brad Rosecrans (Jessica). He was also survived by 12 great-grandchildren who brightened his days and filled his heart with joy.
Rod was an avid outdoorsman who cherished hunting and fishing. Though he spent much of his life on the coast, his heart always remained in the Blue Ridge Mountains where he grew up and spent much of his retirement. He was proud of his mountain roots, naming his boats “The Mountaineer” in honor of his heritage. In addition, Rod was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan. He and Bennie enjoyed traveling, visiting 48 of the 50 states, exploring national parks, and appreciating the natural beauty that the country has to offer.
Rod spent his career in construction, building shopping centers, schools, and more. He retired from GL Wilson Building Company in 1995 as a Vice President in the Hampton Roads area. Of all the things he built, however, the loving and caring family he created was his greatest accomplishment. Rod always wore a smile, one that only grew wider when surrounded by those he loved. His deep affection for his wife, Bennie, was unmatched; he cared for her with unwavering patience and kindness during her final years.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Rod’s life on April 12th at Vaughn-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, Virginia. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately afterward. The family will lay Rod and Bennie’s ashes to rest at Rome Cemetery following the reception, in honor of what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary on April 8th.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion provided during his final months.
As we remember Rod, let us celebrate the exceptional life he lived and the love that always surrounded him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital Foundation, 1309 Kempsville Road, Norfolk Va 23502