HOUSTON, Texas — John Curtis Strickland, beloved husband and father, passed into eternity with his wife, Sondra Ann, by his side August 13, 2025, at the age of 92.
Strickland was born April 7, 1933 in a log cabin in Brantley County to the late Joseph Levi Strickland and Sarah Gertrude (Highsmith) Strickland. He grew up as the youngest son of the youngest son on a large, multi-generational family farm.
Strickland was also preceded in death by his siblings, Malcom Strickland and Lucille Parks.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sondra Ann Strickland; his three children, Vernon Paul, Joseph Hayden and Sarah Ariel (Diana Bess); and four grandchildren, Blake, Jack, Highsmith and Hazel Strickland.
Strickland’s father passed away when he was six years old and was raised by his mother. He had fond memories of his childhood, including plowing with a mule, chopping firewood and swimming in the Satilla River.
Strickland graduated from high school in Nahunta and was determined to get a college degree. He graduated from Auburn University in 1955 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
After graduation, Strickland became a professional engineer and had multiple job offers. He elected to work for Texaco and was eventually transferred to Houston, Texas where he spent the rest of his life.
He stayed with Texaco for 39 years as a Process Design Engineer, where he was very well liked. He achieved 21 patents and worked all over the world. His designs were implemented in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Russia.
Strickland was a man of great intellect and integrity, reflected by his lifelong passion for problem- solving and innovation. Whether designing solutions in his field or tackling a household project, he approached every challenge with patience and precision (and often a glue gun).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Strickland was known for his warmth, sarcastic wit, and deep affection for his family, especially his beloved cats, who brought him constant joy.
In his later years, Strickland enjoyed working around the house and maintaining a vegetable garden. He particularly loved to grow purple hull peas, and he built an elaborate enclosure to keep out the birds and squirrels.
Strickland was a dedicated sports fan and never missed an Astros game. He also loved country music, especially when he could sing along.
A private family service will be held to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Smyrna Cemetery maintenance fund.
