Strickland

Wanzie L. Strickland, 80, known to all as Bill Strickland, died peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2017. Bill was a Veteran of the United States Army and a true patriot. Bill Strickland was born Oct. 2, 1936 in Neshoba County, Miss. He loved basketball as a young man and played on several teams which included High School, Military, and on the practice team for the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he had a passion and love for coaching Little League Baseball teams. Bill and his wife Maxine founded Sunbelt Fasteners Houston, Texas in 1980. He spent his later years on his ranch in La Grange, raising longhorn and antelope. He is survived by his wife Maxine Strickland of 53 years and seven months, his beloved sister Ann Tolbert, husband Keith of Marietta, Ga., seven loving children; Marc and wife Debbie of Stockton, Calif., Debbie and husband Lester of Altair, Scarlet and husband Julius of La Grange, Stephanie and husband Butch of Millbury, Mass., Dennis of La Grange and Peter and wife Linda of Franklin, Tenn., Shane and wife Karen of Round Rock, and daughter-in-law Rita of Granger, fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many friends, especially Raul Zaragoza. Bill was a loving gentleman who loved his family, barbecue, sports, animals, his beloved dog “Willie,” and being outdoors hunting and fishing. Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family Aug. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. until noon at The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 W. Fairgrounds Road in La Grange. At the family’s request a private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Wounded Warriors Project.