Jake Franklin Strickland, Jr

Jake Franklin Strickland, Jr., 86, passed away surrounded by family on March 20, 2026.

A native of Olanta, he was born on December 30, 1939, to Jake and Esther Strickland.

Jake was a proud Clemson graduate, earned a master’s at East Tennessee State, and later earned a specialist degree from Winthrop. He was a farmer, a teacher, a basketball coach, and even became a Florence County judge. A dedicated deacon at Bethel Baptist Church, he served faithfully for many years.

Jake is survived by his wife of 63 years, Winnie Gibbons Strickland; his sons Kevin (Lisa) Strickland and Bart (Laurie) Strickland; and his beloved grandchildren: Grant, Rachel, Elise, Kate, Addy, and Mary Grace. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren.

His legacy of dedication, love, and service will be cherished always.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Floyd Funeral Home, and burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in Jakes honor to Bethel Baptist Church, 1520 N Jones Rd, Olanta, SC 29114 or to McLeod Health Hospice Care, 1203 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506.