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FUNERAL HOME
3344 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas
Richard Waller-Strickland Obituary
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, April 17, in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation to Operation Home Front, Santa Ana Chapter, www.operationhomefront.net
Born June 18, 1983, in Fort Ord, Calif., Ricky came to Texas, where he was raised, at age 1 1/2. During his formative years, Ricky was involved in the Cub Scouts, soccer and football, and enjoyed all outdoor sports including biking, hiking, archery and swimming. His adolescent and teen years were spent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he excelled at making people laugh and preparing to become a Marine as that was his wish since the age of 5 because of the influence of his military family, dating all the way back to World War I.
Shortly after graduation from Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Ricky achieved his lifelong dream at the age of 18 in October 2002, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. In January 2003, he graduated from boot camp at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and proudly became a member of the 1/1 C Company (a.k.a. "Chuckles"), 3rd Platoon T (a.k.a. the "Wolfpack"), 3rd Squad, where he eventually and naturally rose to team leader.
During his short career Cpl. Waller-Strickland excelled as a member of the Wolfpack. His team members referred to him as "The Motivator" and lovingly remember him as a great leader, Marine, friend and man.
Tragically, Cpl. Waller-Strickland was mortally wounded during his third deployment to Iraq while effectively delivering service to and for Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Fallujah area. Reportedly, Team Leader Waller-Strickland was in the process of setting up his Marines in his company's battle space to provide security for other tactical maneuvers. While on the roof of a building he was shot by an enemy sniper.
While our Marine was taken out of this world at such a young age, his family and friends will always hear his contagious laughter unbridled by the cares of this world, and see his smile brightly lit by the goodness and purity of his golden heart and strong soul. He was a remarkably kind and thoughtful Marine who had the gift of encouragement and "entertainment." Ricky touched all with whom he came in contact in a unique and unforgettable fashion.
The Strickland family wishes to thank the U.S. Marine Corps for truly taking care of its own through their faithfulness, dedication, compassion and excellence in professionalism. Further, we wish to encourage all who read this to live their lives the way Cpl. Waller-Strickland did, for God, family and country, with love for all and with no regrets.
Survivors: His wife, Adrian Acevedo-Strickland; their small children, Nickolas "Nick" Price, 4, Victoria Ann-Catalina "Tori," 2, and Tyler Kenneth, 2 weeks; his parents, Kenneth Strickland and Vicki Murrell-Strickland; his grandfather, Jack Strickland; sister, Nani Cruz, all of Fort Worth; his sister, Kim Waller; grandmother, LaVerne Murrell, both of Arlington; and brothers, U.S. Army Sgt. Clint Riggins and David Brewer, both of Fort Worth.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Waller-Strickland
Sponsored by your loving family.
Kim Jackson
May 27, 2024
Everyday is Memorial Day for us. Your children are all grown up now, but you will forever be 22.
Richard Collins
April 12, 2011
I was in San Diego last week and remembering our Shipboard visit. It seems like yesterday - God Bless you, Miss You!
Kim (Waller) Jackson
April 8, 2011
Miss you "baby" brother!
Kim Jackson
May 20, 2008
It doesn't seem like it has been 2 years. Some days hurt more than others, as Memorial day is next week. It's bittersweet. I know you're in a better place and God has given me tremendous peace but I still miss you so much.
I've been married for a year now and our father wore his gold star pin. It made me teary-eyed, but I know you were there in spirit.
Kim Waller
June 10, 2006
Happy Birthday "baby" brother! I know it's next week, but I wanted to make sure that I signed your guest book...It's hard knowing that I won't see you again until eternity, but God has given me tremendous peace. Grandma is having an especially difficult time because "she is so old, and you were so young." I know you're watching over us and everything will be ok, but some days simple memories will just rip my heart out. I love you and look forward to watching your little ones grow up. We will never let them forget what a great Daddy they have.
We may never understand God's timing so I thank Him for the time we had and remember that He will not give us more than we can handle. I miss you so much and am heart-broken because you won't be here to celebrate holidays and special events...yes, we're "the ones with the problem!"
Kim Waller
June 10, 2006
Happy Birthday "baby" brother! I know it's next week, but I wanted to make sure that I signed your guest book...It's hard knowing that I won't see you again until eternity, but God has given me great peace. Grandma is having an especially difficult time because "she is so old, and you were so young." I know you're watching over us and everything will be ok, but some days simple memories will rip my heart out. I love you and look forward to watching your little ones grow up. We will never let them forget what a great Daddy they have.
Gary Hill
May 19, 2006
As a member of the Patriot Guard and a VietNam Vet, I was deeply humbled to be a part of this sacred ceremony for Richard. His memory will live within all of us because of your kindness for allowing us our attendance. Rest in peace, Marine.
BARBARA TOWERY
April 19, 2006
VICKI AND KENNETH,
THANK YOU FOR RICKY WE ONLY HAD HIM IN OUR LIFE FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT THE MEMORIES WILL LAST FOREVER. OUR BOYS PLAYED BALL TOGETHER FOR AWHILE. HAVING RICKY IN OUR LIFE WAS A GREAT TIME FOR US , HE IS MISSED.
SPECIAL PEOPLE COME OUR WAY AS ANGELS FROM ABOVE;THEY HOLD SUCH INNOCENCE AND JOY,LIKE CHILDREN FILLED WITH LOVE.(JILL LEMMING)
OUR PRAYER ARE WITH YOU
ALWAYS,JASON AND BARBARA TOWERY
JOHNELL WALKER
Andrew Harris
April 19, 2006
I am Sgt. Harris 1/1 Charlie Co. 1st Plt. Cpl Waller was a great marine. not just a marine a very good man. He is love by all charlie company and is dearly missed. My prayers go out to his wife childeren and family if there is anything they need I can do what i can Email me at [email protected]
Sgt
Harris
Charlie company 1/1
Susan McLemore
April 18, 2006
Vicki & Kenneth,
I am so sorry for the loss of your special son Ricky. Ricky was a Marine "Hero" who served our country and was a great son, husband, and father. You have such special memories of him, keep them always in your hearts. You will always see Ricky in each of his children. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you both in the days ahead.
Mother of a Marine Semper Fi
April 17, 2006
I did not know Richard personally but I was told once that we are a family of our own (Marines). I just wanted to let you know that your in our prayers and our sympathy is with you in the loss of your loved one.
Sean Smart
April 17, 2006
Im am very sorry for the loss of ricky. He was a good friend to evrybody and his family. Just wanted to let you know that ricky and his family will be in our prayers
Julie Allcox
April 17, 2006
Richard has made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. For this, I will be forever grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Semper Fi
Jill Phipps
April 17, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sandi Sossamon
April 17, 2006
While I didn't know Cpl. Waller, he was a fellow brother to my son LCpl Wes Peck, as all marines are fellow brothers. This in turn makes him one of my sons. I'm truly sorry for your loss and your pain you must be going through. I can only hope and pray that God will give you comfort during this time and that your friends and faith will be with you. I know that Cpl Waller is guarding the gates of Heaven for all of us until such time we will all meet again.
In Christ's name I pray for you
Semper Fi
Sandi Sossamon
Mother of USMC LCPL Wes Peck
Texas
Iris Garcia
April 17, 2006
I'm so sorry for the loss of Ricky. It seems like only yesterday we all walked across stage together. I couldn't believe it when I heard it on the news. He will always be remembered as that great american hero who died for his country. My prayers are with you and your family Adrain. Take care of those little angels of yours.
C/O 2002
Iris Garcia-Davila
Teri Krause
April 17, 2006
My deepest sympathies go out to your family. Although I've never met him, I know Corporal Waller was a very brave and courageous young man who lived and died an American hero. May God bring you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. I pray the pain will quickly fade, leaving you with only the happiest memories of Ricky.
Nelda Taylor
April 17, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and we grieve with you for your loss. God Bless and Semper Fi.
Marine Mom
Norman Wyatt
April 17, 2006
Cpl. Waller will take his post on "Heavens Scene" later on today. No greater sacrifice by one of our Nations' finest. "Semper Fi"
Norman Wyatt
former S/Sgt of Marines
Kenneth Pilgrim
April 17, 2006
Vickie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of great sorrow.
Judy Cole
April 17, 2006
My nephew, Mark O'Byrne served with your husband in Iraq on April 7, 2006. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts every day.
Randy Lockhart
April 16, 2006
To the family of Richard P. Waller-Strickland,
While I did not know your son, husband, loved one, I want to thank you for the service he performed for our country. I think he is a hero, and God bless him for his commitment. He is a tremendous person! He and you will be in my prayers always.
God Bless
Debbie Abelson
April 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Always remember that Richard is a hero. God Bless.Semper Fi,
Former Marine Sgt
Mother of two Marines
Robin
April 16, 2006
Your loved one Ricky has paid the ultimate sacrifice for protecting myself and my family. His and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Mom of a Marine
Cheryl Martin (Marine Mom)
April 16, 2006
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear son. He is America's Hero. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
karla richardson
April 16, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I thank God for the young men and women willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for our continued freedom.
T R
April 16, 2006
I am truley sorry for you loss.
As a Marine mom I can only express my deepest sympathies and let you know that he was doing us all a great honor. Please be assured that God needed a great marine in Heaven so he called Richard.
God Bless all of you and Richard's loved ones/
Mike Sullivan
April 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May God bless and comfort you. "Semper Fi"
A Marine Mother
April 16, 2006
I do not know your son but feel your family's grief. I learned of your son's death on the news just this morning. I felt that I needed you to know that with such sorrow,I am very proud and honored to have such a wonderful young man serve our country and give his life. Your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and Semper Fi
JoAnn Sullivan
April 16, 2006
Your family is in our prayers. Rick has been a great friend to my son Michael. He will be very missed.
Cassie Eckert
April 16, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Winston, Dee Jay, and Cassidy King
April 15, 2006
Ricky was a good brother to Kim. I'll never forget that. He was also a great father. Since Kim is like a sister to us, Ricky was like a brother. We will miss you and honor you for your service to our country. Thank you.
Lynda Green
April 15, 2006
Ricky was in my biology class as a high school sophomore. Ricky's love for the United States Marine Corps was so obvious that I continually encouraged him to get his high school diploma and enlist as soon as possible. After Ricky completed boot camp, he came back to Western Hills to see me and I gave him something that he said he would take with him to Iraq for luck. The token of my admiration
and pride that I always had for Ricky was one of my father's Marine
Corp emblems that he wore when he was in the Marines in the late 40's. Ricky came back to see me in December '05, I am so gald I got to see him walk into my classroom that day and hear about his adventures and the wonderful wife and children he was so thankful for and proud of.
Those of us that really knew Ricky truely know he died a HEREOS death.
I know Ricky's legacy will live on in his three wonderful children he left behind at such a young age.
Heaven must have needed another great man on April 7. 2006.
Charles Beltram
April 15, 2006
In deepest Sympathy, Honor and Respect from a Fellow Marine and Viet Nam Veteran.
Rest Well Marine.
Semper Fi.
Evelyn Cash
April 15, 2006
Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss of this courageous young man, I grew to know and love him and those beautiful little ones, Nick Nick and Tori. You should be so proud of him for his courageousness. I am!!! God Bless You all.
Evelyn Cash & Family
Patti Roberts
April 15, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 15, 2006
I do not know Richard.
I would like to thank him for serving our country.
Blessings to his family and friends.
Anonymous
Peter Smith
April 15, 2006
My deepest sympathies for this heartbreaking loss.
Matthew Metcalf
April 15, 2006
Sorry to hear about your loss Ricky was one of the most motivated young men I had a chance to work with as a recruiter. It was my pleasure to enlist him in the United States Marines. As I said I am sorry to hear about your loss feel free to contact me if you wish. Sgt Matt Metcalf (Former Marine Recruiter)
Richard & Donna Fitzgerald
April 15, 2006
We are sorry for the loss, of Husband, Father, and Son. God Bless America. And May God bless you and keep you all in his comfort.
M. Lynn Witt
April 15, 2006
Dearest Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss.
Army Veteran
Jennifer Martinez
April 15, 2006
I am very sorry for your loss. I didnt know richard but I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him and by his fellow marines. My prayers are with his family.
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