Obituary published on Legacy.com by Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton on Jul. 24, 2025.
Patrick Bouvier Strickland, 56, of
Milton, FL, departed this life on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after an extended battle with complications and illness resulting from a severe spinal cord injury. Born on August 1, 1968, in
Milton, Florida, to Robert Strickland, Sr. and Rev. Vernell Strickland, Patrick was a member of the Milton High School class of 1986 where he followed his love of music by playing the bass and snare drums as an active member of The Mighty Black & Gold percussion line in the Milton High School Marching Band. He was a beloved and dedicated son, grandson, brother, nephew, father, cousin, and uncle.
Patrick was a Christian and a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, and he was preceded in death by his mother, Rev. Vernell Strickland, who was licensed and ordained at Mt. Pilgrim African Missionary Baptist church and the associate Pastor; maternal grandparents, Leitha Barnes, Moses Barnes, Sr., and Clifford Coleman; paternal grandparents, Ollie B. Strickland and Mae Lois Strickland; long-time family friend, Connie Rodriguez and other extended loving family.
He leaves to cherish his memories, His father, Robert Strickland, Sr., his son, Patrick "PJ" Strickland, Jr.; his brother, Robert Strickland, Jr. (Cassandra); bonus brother, Corey Childers; extended brother, Henry Watson, Jr.; his sisters, Kim Strickland, Tammy Ewing (Norby), and Elnora Sanders (Charlie); bonus sister, Raven Rodriguez; nephews: Nicholas Ewing, Aaron Strickland, Cornelius Ewing, Charlie Sanders, Jr., and Dalen Sanders; nieces: Ashley Tucker (Titus), Asia Strickland, Emane' Ewing, Tiffany Morton (Vernon), and Tamya Sanders; great-nephew, Axl Tucker; great-nieces, Anyla Sanders and Jehlani Porter; bonus great-niece, Raine Rodriguez-Hannah; and other family including numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Forever curious, always fearless and full of passion, Patrick was continuously looking to do something different and exciting throughout his life - from competitive speed skating to gaming to a love of meteorology and forecasting weather systems and tracking hurricanes for the family and friends – and he was spot on with the correct forecast every time! His curious nature led him to work in various industries and assuming many roles, including working as an over-the-road and local commercial truck driver. Patrick was truly our family's very own renaissance man.
His journey in life eventually led to meeting Denise Mallory and to this union, they had one child, Patrick Strickland, Jr., affectionately known to everyone as "PJ". One thing for certain, Patrick genuinely loved life and family. He cherished family moments, special occasions, and gatherings and he constantly touched the lives of many with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and outgoing nature. Patrick was a fun-loving brother who had a big heart and enjoyed making everyone around him laugh and have a great time - and we were always willing to get him started with a joyful challenge: 'Make us laugh, Pat!!!' and he always came through leaving you with a huge smile, hearty laughter, and feeling very blessed to have such an amazing person to share these special life moments with. Ask anyone, and they will tell you that Patrick was a very generous, caring person and a trusted friend that possessed an uncanny ability to connect with just about anyone...anywhere!
Patrick was an avid fan of football - and a diehard fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. These football games brought him the greatest joy, and when he attended Alabama football games, he would most definitely showcase his team spirit sporting Alabama memorabilia and keeping everyone in the seating section motivated (and laughing) providing game commentary, leading cheers, and loudly shouting "ROOLLLL TIDE!"
Our little brother became a best friend over the years and was a wonderful person to be around; he will truly be missed. We love you, Patrick.
We would like to thank you sincerely for your kind expressions of sympathy during our recent bereavement. A special Thank You to Baptist Hospital and the ICU team for caring for our loved one.
The Strickland Family