George Kenneth “Speedy” Stricklin, age 83, passed peacefully from this life on January 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, steady service, and quiet love.

Born on June 28, 1942, to the late Ora Lee Moore Stricklin Todd and the late George Walker Stricklin, George grew into a man known for his dependability, humility, and gentle spirit. He graduated from Adamsville High School in 1960 and later studied electrical and refrigeration at William R. Moore College of Technology in Memphis, Tennessee.

To many in Adamsville, he was simply “Speedy.” For more than 40 years at Winningham Furniture, he was a familiar face downtown—someone people trusted, enjoyed talking with, and remembered long after leaving the store. He retired in June 2005, but his presence remained part of the fabric of the community. Earlier in life, he coached Little League Baseball in the 1960s and 1970s, teaching young players patience and sportsmanship.

George believed in showing up and giving back. He served four years as an elected Commissioner for the City of Adamsville and was a proud member of the Adamsville/Selmer Masonic Lodge #338 for over 50 years.

His life was anchored by his faith in God. A devoted member of White’s Creek Free Will Baptist Church and Bumpus Creek Free Will Baptist Church, George served as a deacon and elder, studied his Bible daily, and shared Scripture in conversation, often quoting it from memory. He didn’t preach loudly—he lived faithfully.

At home, George found his greatest joy. He loved Tennessee football, long sports conversations with his brother Joe and brother-in-law Alfred, and time with his family. One of his deepest joys was singing gospel songs with his daughters, listening as their voices blended together. Near the end of his life, one of his final requests was simply to hear them sing again. Afterward, he smiled and said, “That’s pretty,” a moment reflecting his gentle heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Patsy Sue Inman Stricklin; his daughters, Sherry Stricklin Boles and husband Dewayne of Adamsville, Tennessee, and Leigh Ann Stricklin of Selmer, Tennessee; his granddaughters, Kristian Stricklin of Knoxville, Tennessee, Bailey Knipper and husband Chase of Henderson, Tennessee, and Kendall Boles of Adamsville, Tennessee; and his great-grandchildren, Emery Ullmann, Baylor Knipper, and Preston Knipper.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his stepfather, Dan M. Todd, and his siblings, Joe Stricklin and Peggy Jones.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hardin Medical Center, HMC Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.

George Kenneth “Speedy” Stricklin will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love of God’s Word, and the quiet ways he made others feel seen and valued. A man of few words and steady faith, he loved his family deeply, served others faithfully, and lived a life that quietly made the world better.