Donald Strickland
Donald Wesley Strickland, 67, died on Friday, December 9, 2017, in Greenville, NC where he lived with his devoted wife of 16 years, Antonina Pavlovna Strickland.
Don, as he was known to his friends and relatives, was born in Chattanooga, to Ruby Baucam, and he was the oldest of four biological siblings. He was adopted by James Wesley Strickland and Bessie Jene Strickland.
Don proudly served his country as a Naval Petty Officer during the Vietnam War, earning three medals for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1971, after which he attended Covenant College on Lookout Mountain. He also worked for L&N Railroad and TVA. He loved animals especially his loyal and beloved dogs, Panka and Abby. His love of animals called him to the pet industry as the district manager of pet store chain in Maine, where he and his wife lived at the time. Later in Oregon he started his own aquarium and pond service called Full Spectrum Aquatics. During this time he also raised fish and reptiles. He was an avid fisherman and loved to take his family out on his boat. He also enjoyed collecting coins and guns. He was a kind and generous man, with natural charisma and unfailing faith and positivity.
He is survived by five children, Haven Nicolle Heathershaw, Elizabeth Wesley Strickland, Casey Marie Strickland, William Lowell Strickland and Sergei Sergienko. He was the proud grandfather to six grandchildren. His oldest daughter Haven and her husband, Andrew Heathershaw have 5 children, Caleb, Emalyn, Emily, Ethan and Danny. His youngest grandson and namesake, Daniel Wesley Strickland is the son of William and his wife Amber Strickland.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m., in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the funeral home.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.