October 12, 2022, 73, Goldsboro –

Russ “Tom” Stricklin, 73, of Goldsboro passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. A graveside will follow at the family’s home, 677 Powell Road in Goldsboro.

Tom was born in Wayne County, Tennessee on September 7, 1949, to the late Matthew Swain and Alma Snow Henson Stricklin.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Jones Stricklin; one son, Thomas Matthew Stricklin, and wife, Melissa of Goldsboro; one daughter, Kim Stricklin Alphin, and husband, Michael of LaGrange; one brother, Rex Stricklin, and wife, Mimi of Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Melvin Pentecost of Georgia; and the many extended family members who knew him as Uncle Tom.

In addition, Tom is survived by seven grandchildren, Dusty Weeks (Kayla), Amanda Knowles (Justin), Cody Alphin (Ashton), Katie Alphin, Jacob Swain Stricklin (Jasmine Pagan), Jackson Ray Stricklin and Madison Stricklin; nine great-grandchildren, Logan, Parker, Landon, Dawson, Spencer, Waylon, Mattie, Graham and Cooper, whom he cherished and who honored him with the title “Pa”.

And finally, he is survived by his little buddy “Chewy”, who walked him faithfully daily.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Stricklin, and two sisters, Mary Sue Stricklin and Peggy Stricklin Pentecost.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.