Buddy Strickler

Buddy Strickler, 80, Kingsport, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007, at his home. He was a loving husband, father, ?papaw?, and friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was notorious for his practical jokes. Buddy loved life and found joy in the simple things ? his family, his dog, his garden, mowing, and UT football; and he was also a great fisherman and a wonderful friend.He retired from Holston Defense after 43 years of service. Preceding him in death were his mother, Myrtle Strickler; father, Earnest Strickler; brothers, Buck and Lee ?Speck? Strickler; and sisters, Louise Hammonds, and Mamie Cox.Surviving are his wife, Sue Strickler, of the home; a daughter and special son-in-law, Cathy and Jim Parker; a son, Michael Strickler and wife, Sherleen; a special son, Michael Jessee and wife, Charlene; a granddaughter, Rachel Davis Burdine; a brother, John E. Strickler; his special family, Buddy Archer, David and Marsha Davis, Matthew Jessee, David Jessee, Kosha Slaughter, and Kacee Adams; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their thanks to caregivers, JoAnn Martin and Cheryl Gillenwater. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Al South officiating. Music will be provided by Beulah Baptist Church Choir. Burial will follow at Beulah Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ray Garrison, John ?Slick? Slaughter, Harold Norris, Otis Wayne Yates, Jimmy Kelly, and J. O. Light. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Hamilton, G. W. Hamilton, Carl Bowery, Carl Galloway, John Bearden, and Lynn Gardner. Memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund, 491 Beulah Road, Kingsport, TN 37663.