Carrel Stricklen

Clifford Carrel Stricklen, age 84, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away at his home on “Stricklen Hill” on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Carrel was born in Burnsville and, as a young teenager, traveled to Chicago with his twin brother, Harold, in search of work. While in Chicago, he met his wife, raised three sons, and developed his lifelong craft in carpentry. Longing for home, he moved his family back to Mississippi in 1970.

Carrel, also known as “Hansaw,” was an entrepreneur at heart. He built and managed two successful businesses: Stricklen’s Custom Cabinets, which he operated for more than 25 years, and Stricklen’s Trucking, which he ran for 10 years. Hansaw was an incredibly hardworking man who took great pride in his work. He loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for them and ensure they had the best life possible. A proud man of integrity and strong values, he always stood by his word. He also loved listening to George Jones and watching John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke. Most importantly, his family knew that he loved them unconditionally.

Carrel is survived by his three sons, Dale, Mark, and Jeff; daughters-in-law Teresa Stricklen and Martha Jumper, his grandchildren, Josh & Kyle Stricklen, Kaleigh Kizer, Cody Dye, Kennedy Dye, Sam & Carmen Stricklen, Jake Williams and his great-grandchildren Hollis Kizer and Beau Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Mamie Stricklen; his daughter, Alison Stricklen; his siblings, Cecil Stricklen, Avon Stricklen, Harold Stricklen, Ethel Bray, Merle Bobo, and Ruth Mitchell; and his ex-wife, Sheilda Seago.

Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, officiated by Bro. Bobby Johnson. Burial will follow at Little Flock Cemetery.

An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com