Alvah Conrad Strickland passed away peacefully at his home on June 26, 2024. He was born January 18, 1935 to his parents, Atwell Gardner Strickland and Hilda Trapp Strickland. He grew up on a farm in the Mississippi Delta during the war years and learned to drive a tractor at a very early age too assist in farm work. During his high school years, he felt very fortunate to work for Cotton and Edwards Electric Company where he gained valuable experience which he used all his life. Alvah was a graduate of Clarksdale High School and Mississippi State University.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Starkville and of the Bain Sunday School Class. While he held several positions at the church, his favorite was that of church greeter where he enjoyed meeting people.
People always remember him for his jovial nature, outgoing personality, love of life, and of course, MSU baseball. In years gone by, Alvah could always be seen and heard cheering for the Diamond Dogs. Along the way, he became a dedicated World War II buff, visiting museums, watching documentaries, and reading nonfiction.
Alvah would always say that his lucky day was June 9, 1963 when he married Virginia Dale Waldrop of Newton, MS. Thus began 61 years of family fun, traveling, camping, and creating beautiful memories with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Dale; his son, James Gardner Strickland; his daughter, Susan Peden (Jess); and his grandchildren, Lorelei Johnson, and Carys Peden; as well as his nieces, Shawn Guider and Starwyn Stark; and nephew, Clarence Guider, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his half-sisters; and brother, Trenna Guider, Gwen Lipe, Atwell Strickland, Jr.; and his niece, Linda Bon Lipe.
Visitation is Friday, June 28, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060-0027 or the charity of your choice.
