George Alldredge Strickland, Ph.D., 72, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Christus Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont. He was born on May 4, 1943, to Mildred Alldredge and Dr. James Strickland, Sr., in San Antonio.

George grew up in Roswell, NM. There, he met the love of his life, Mary K., where they were high school sweethearts. George and Mary K. were married in 1963. He later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict Era. George and Mary K. were blessed with their son, Michael’s, birth shortly after George’s discharge from the Army. George completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston in 1971. In the early 70’s, George felt the call to go into the ministry, and the family moved to Fort Worth where George attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He graduated with his Master’s in Divinity in 1974. George pastored churches in both northern and southern Illinois after seminary. His most memorable pastorate was at Beaucoup Baptist Church in Pinckneyville, where he was affectionately known as “Brother George”. While at Beaucoup, he completed his Doctorate of Ministry in 1981 through Luther Rice Seminary. In 1985, George was appointed the Director of Missions for Nine Mile Baptist Association, a group of Baptist churches in southern Illinois. While there, he became actively involved in starting a food bank that provided food weekly for many in need. In the early 90’s, George decided to move into the field of education and began attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he graduated in 1995 with a Ph.D. in Community Health Education. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Lamar University. While in both the ministry and the education fields, he impacted many souls and minds. He is remembered for his touching sermons and lectures, warm smile, kind heart, and gentle spirit. He loved spending time with his dog, BeBe. The joy of his life was his grandson, Aidan.  In his later years, he was afflicted with numerous illnesses. Yet, he somehow handled all of these with grace. His family and friends are greatly comforted knowing that he is now without pain or suffering and in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-one years, Mary K. Strickland; son, Michael Strickland, M.D. and his wife, Linda, and grandson, Aidan Strickland, all of Lawton, OK; brothers, James Strickland, Jr., Ph.D. and his wife, Marlene, of Albuquerque, NM; Robert Strickland and his wife, Gayle, of Atlanta, GA; sister, Cheryl Goforth and her husband, Al, of Lubbock; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Blair and her husband, Craig; brother-in-law, William Shellshear and his wife, Christy, both of Tulsa, OK; Steve Byars, of Lewisville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Special gratitude goes to Mary K.’s cousin, Hank Giglio, of Beaumont; caregiver Bertie Reese, caregiver Tina Reese, caregiver Dionne Reese, and caregiver Marva Maxson, all of Beaumont.

A gathering of Dr. Strickland’s family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 4:00 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.