Irwin Stricklin

Mr. Irwin Stricklin, age 90, of Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Irwin Stricklin, affectionately known as “Stricklin” or “Papa” was born on October 6th, 1932, and was a native of Jersey City, New Jersey. He attended Lincoln High in Jersey City, New Jersey and would later earn a General Educational Diploma (GED), in 1966. Stricklin joined the Armed services on September 2, 1950. During his years of active duty, he obtained three military occupational specialties and received five good conduct medals and five overseas service ribbons. His distinguished awards also include the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals. After twenty-two years of service achieving the rank of E6, Staff Sergeant, he was honorably discharged and retired on August 31, 1973. After retiring from service, Stricklin went on to work a number of years for the Army Air Force Exchange Store (AAFES) on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1972, Stricklin met his wife, Vashti Stricklin, and they were married on March 12th,1978. They lived happily, as husband and wife for forty-four years. He loved life and could be seen tending his garden, manicuring his yard, building his sheds, painting, performing maintenance on his trucks, and frying fish. He enjoyed going to the grocery stores, playing the lottery, reading the newspaper and TV Guides, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and attending multiple middle and high school sporting events. Stricklin was a family man, who gave generously to everyone.

Stricklin was preceded in death by the following: mother, Maggie “Sugar” Stricklin; sister, Janie W. Greenaugh; and sons, Gary Stricklin and Leroy Marc Stricklin.

He is survived by his wife, Vashti Stricklin; mother-in-law, Sallie Ann Hailey; brother-in-law, Van (Marie) Hailey; sister-in-law, Connie Hailey; sons, Tony Stricklin, Richard McGoogan, Robert (Vandetta) McGoogan, Christopher (Trena) McGoogan; daughters, Lori Morris, Sallie (Jeff) McGoogan-Bush; grandchildren, Jamar Alston, EnJouli McGoogan, Robin McGoogan, Hailey McGoogan, Joseph McGoogan, and Nevaeh McGoogan; great-granddaughter, Malia Manley and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mr. Irwin Stricklin will be remembered for his kindness, sense of style, love for western tv shows and sports, famous breakfast “hot cakes” with the crispy edges, all the creative ways he “fixed” things around the house, and his signature gray and white beard.

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