Thad E. "Stump" Strickland, Jr.

Thad E. "Stump" Strickland Jr., 64, of Hodges, S.C., passed away in his home Sunday, December 20, 2020. Survived by his wife, Jackie Strickland, 2 daughters- Keli Deloach and Jennifer George, and 1 grandson. Also 2 brothers- Carroll Strickland and Ricky Timms, and 2 sisters- Margaret South and Monteene Wrenn. Predeceased by his mother, Vernilla Day, and 2 sisters- Jeanleen Johnston and Gwen Day.

Born October 27, 1956 in Norfolk, VA. Then fostered by Lizzie and Bruce Webb of Tarboro, NC, with their 2 daughters, Mildred Aycock and Louise Wadell. He grew up in Tarboro, N.C, then moved to South Carolina when he was around 21 years of age.

He accomplished many things in his lifetime. From teaching karate in his younger years, to playing music in numerous bands traveling all over NC, SC, and GA. He was a first responder and firefighter in Waterloo SC, Station 25. Recorded his own music for CDs, along with soundtracks for himself and friends. He was also the Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC.

He defied all odds in 2015, after several open-heart surgeries which led to a LVAD heart pump being installed on his heart. They did not expect him to live through the surgeries, much less, past the first year after having the pump installed. He was truly a walking miracle. A very strong man, who loved God, his family and all of his friends. He never met a stranger and always went out of his way to show love to everyone he came across. He was loved deeply and will be missed by many.

There will be a memorial service held in his honor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2511 McCormick Hwy Greenwood SC 29646 on January 30, 2020, 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The family asks, due to covid19, everyone please wear a mask and practice social distancing. And, if anyone has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or has systems of COVID-19, please stay home. The service will be live streamed on his wife's and daughter's Facebook for those who are unable to attend.