RICH SQUARE – Mr. Charles Wingate “Gator” Strickland, Sr., age 84, died peacefully with his family by his side at the Hampton Manor in Gaston on Wednesday, December 11, 2013.

He was a native of NorthamptonCounty, born to the late Sarah Bridgers Strickland and the late John A. Strickland. He was married to the late Peggy Chappell Strickland and to this marriage was born three children. Mr. Strickland worked for the Roanoke Electric Coop. for some thirty years until retiring. He enjoyed his time alone touring the country side while riding the roads in his vehicle; as well he enjoyed his time at the farm, Dicks Country Store, Claudine’s and the Grand Ol’ Opry in Lasker.

Also preceding him in death is a daughter, Diane Strickland; and two brothers, John and Wilton Strickland.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Lou Manning and her husband, Lester, his son, Charles W. Strickland, Jr. and Kathy Whitley, all of Rich Square; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Duke of Jackson; and a brother, Milton Strickland and his wife, Sarah, of Kill Devil Hills. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Robbie Powell and his wife Heather, Michael Powell and his wife Adrienne, Allison Walton and her husband Jon, and Ashleigh Russell and her husband Nick; and two great grandchildren, Ryleigh Powell and Knox Walton.

Memorial services were conducted on Saturday, December 14 at Creeksville Baptist Church in Creeksville with the Rev. Andy Sloan and the Rev. Bob Rogers officiating.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.