Raymond Strickland passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2014, at the age of 85, in Manteca, California. Ray was born on December 17, 1928, to Curtis and Ethel Strickland, in Walker Chapel, Alabama.  He has resided in California for 49 years.   He served 4 years in the Army and was a radio operator on the front lines of the Korean War.  He held his service to our country in highest regard and treasured the American flag he kept posted on his property.
   After moving to California he worked for Sharp Army Depot as an electrician, Maintenance Department Supervisor, and managed hazardous chemical removal. He was active for many years as a square dance caller in the Stockton/Modesto area, a volunteer for our local Red Cross, as well as one of the first members of the S.H.A.R.P. unit for the Manteca Police Department.  Ray and Fannie were two of the first Red Cross volunteers to go to New York after 9-11.  They spent 7 weeks helping in this tragedy. He was and is loved by his family and will be dearly missed. We are all heartbroken by this sudden loss.
   Raymond is survived by Fannie Strickland, his wife of 63 years, his daughter, Sharon Parker, her husband Casey Parker, and his beloved granddaughter Ashley Parker. 
   A Memorial will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Park View Funeral Home, on French Camp Road, in Manteca.   A private burial will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Military Cemetery in Dixon.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, October 22, 2014