T. M. Strickland, Jr.

Augusta, GA – Our Amazing Grace is now sitting on the dock of the bay. T.M. Strickland, Jr. died on Monday, June 24, 2013 at home with his family at his side. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2012. He accepted this with dignity and always kept looking forward to the next new day. It was the best of times and the worst of times.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of 43 years. They met in Atlanta on a snowy day on Peachtree Road and have been each other’s best friend ever since. If you saw one, the other was always nearby, two sons, Nathan Monroe and wife Stephanie, and Matthew. He was Papa to Taylor, Parker, and Anna Grace, mother, Jewell Parker Strickland, and preceded in death by his father, T.M. Strickland, Sr, one brother, David Wylie Strickland and wife Ina, his four legged friend, Baby Kitty. He is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and one very special “Cuz”. There were two other special ladies in his life, Georgia at the Matador, who cut his hair for over 36 years and always made him look good and Mrs. P. who always altered his clothes perfectly.

Sonny retired from Bell South after 32 years. Boredom set in after two years and he went to work for the City of Augusta in the engineering department for 9 ½ years. He always said it was the best job he ever had and he worked with the best people. He met one of his best friends, Ron Williams, while working there. This job gave him some of his best working memories.

Sonny served proudly in the United States Marine Corp, coached youth baseball, was a Mason, and a member of Fleming Baptist Church. He had a great love for collecting old bottles and before his death was able to get shelves built and his collection displayed. Every weekend during the summer, he was always working in his flower garden. His roses and flowers will always give his family wonderful memories. His favorite times always involved his family, special beach trips, family holidays, and his children just coming by.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mitchell Berger and the staff at Medical Oncology. Dr. Berger always gave him something to chuckle about during his visits. Special thanks to Kim, who always had the nicest smile. Amy, Carol, Betty, and Cindy at Trinity Hospice and especially Sandra for the wonderful shaves and uplifting personality, and Janice Petsch who is a true angel.

Sonny’s body will be cremated and no funeral services at his request. There will be a visitation with the family at Platt’s Funeral Home on Belair Rd. on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. However, Sonny always said if he were to have a funeral he would ask for the honor of the following people to serve as pallbearers; Ron Williams, Danny Shultze, Rodney Rabun, Johnny Minick, Wayne Shultz, Thomas Atkins, David Murphy, and Jerry Clay.

“I don’t want to go, but I have loved and been loved”. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.

Family request that you feed animals and plant flowers in his memory.