Sidney Franklin "Sonny" Strickland, Jr.

Sidney Franklin “Sonny” Strickland, Jr., 89, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026 at the Haven Hospice – Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City after a brief illness. He was born in Ocala, Florida on September 5, 1936 and has made Lake City his home since 1954, moving here from Bradford County. He was a Bradford County High School graduate and also served for 8 years in the Army/National Guard. He worked from 1953-1973 with his father, helping to run the family store, Strickland’s Grocery. After the store closed, he went to work for G.W. Hunter Chevron, where he worked until his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in the yard, watching sports & game shows, as well as collecting antiques, old bottles and old coins and currency. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of over 66 years, Maudette Strickland.

He is survived by his son, Rex Strickland (Cheryl) of Lake City; daughters, Lynnette Morgan (Darrell) and Karen Strickland both of Lake City; His sister, Margie Register of Lake City; two grandchildren, Jason Strickland (Amanda) and Brittany Busby (Scott) both of Lake City; and four great-grandchildren, Kinsleigh Strickland, Kade Strickland, Braden Busby and Madison Busby. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A funeral service for Mr. Strickland will be conducted on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor James Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.