Lester "Red" Gordon Strickland, 86, of 147 Warren Dr., Roanoke Rapids, died Monday, March 9, 2009, peacefully and with dignity in his last hours surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Strickland was a native of Goldsboro, the son of the late Isaac Isaiah Strickland and Myrtle Watkins Strickland. Mr. Strickland was a veteran of the United States Navy serving his country in World War II. He was retired from Weldon Veneer as plant supervisor with 47 years of service. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Sullivan Strickland.

Mr. Strickland is survived by his wife, Doris Strickland; his daughter, Susan Strickland of Raleigh; his two sons, Steven "Steve" Strickland of Winterville and Gary Strickland of Orange Park, FL; three grandchildren, Jennifer Finnegan, Ashley Finnegan and Samantha Finnegan; two great-grandchildren, MacKenzie and Daniel; two sisters, Doris Leggett of Williamston and Margaret Brown of Greenville; his brother, Tommy Strickland of Coco Beach, FL; his step-daughter, Cynthia Mills of Greenville; two stepsons, Kenneth Minch of Greenville and Timothy Minch of New Bern; and two step grand-children, Kendra Davenport and Joshua Mills.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Greg Mills officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial cemetery with military rites.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 11 from 7:00-8:30 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home Health & Hospice of Halifax County, 1229 Julian Allsbrook Hwy., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Strickland’s service to his country.