Willie Luther Strickland, 80, of Statesville, N.C., was born in Iredell County on July 18, 1944, and was the son of the late Henry Woods and Essie Mae Strickland. He was married to Mrs. Daisy Mae Chipley Robinson Strickland, who preceded him in death. A brother, Joe Strickland; a step-daughter, Francine Robinson Waddell; and a special cousin, Ozell Strickland; also preceded him in death.

He attended Iredell County Schools and was a member of Cameron Presbyterian Church, where he sang with the All Male Choir. He was employed as a Machine Operator at William T. Burnett.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, two daughters, DaVikie (Dennis) Scott of Troutman and Sylvia (Fredrick) Strickland Jones of Monroe; his step-children, Sandra (Robert) Cowan, Beulah Robinson Scott, Alice Hammons, Donise (Rudolph) Moore, Perry Robinson, and Larry (Maranda) Robinson, all of Statesville, N.C.; one brother, Ernest Strickland; special friends, Deliah Mathis, John Terri, James Simpson, and Nathaniel Jackson; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren; the church family and friends.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.