Samuel Henry Stricklin

Samuel Henry Stricklin (Sam), aged 90, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 following a brief hospital stay. Sam was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Sam was born to a large farming family on March 11, 1933 in Saltillo, Arkansas, to Earnest Franklin Stricklin and Lela Mae Stricklin (Nichols), and spent his early years working in and around the family farm. Following in the footsteps of his brothers, Sam joined the military, enlisting in the United States Army and trained to be a Radio Operator at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. Sam was extremely proud of his military service, was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and supported the VFW up until the time of his death. Following his time in Alaska, Sam returned home, married and started a family. He began a career at Little Rock Distributing Company (Glazer's) in 1959 and continued on staff in various roles for 36 years until his retirement in 1995.

Sam spent his later years visiting the family's deer camp with his brothers, and enjoying fishing trips with his nephews and family friends. Sam supported the Razorbacks (no matter the sport!) and enjoyed trips to Texas to visit family and attend Dallas Cowboy football games.

Sam is preceded in death by both his parents, sisters Wadine Coy, Nadine Gossett, Mary Smith, and brothers, Henry Levi (HL) Stricklin, Odell Stricklin, Junior Stricklin, Paul Stricklin, Franklin (Buddy) Stricklin, John Daniel (JD) Stricklin, and Johnny Stricklin.

He is survived by a sister Annmarie Lemmings, and a brother Tommy Stricklin, his children, Donna Stricklin Smith (Heiko), Patricia Ann Stricklin (Kathy), Kim Franklin Stricklin (Becky), Sammie Lynn Stricklin (Krystal), Samuel Junior Stricklin, and eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The family would like to say thank you the many family members and friends who supported Sam over the last few years with special thanks to Adam and Kelly Stricklin, Laura Sanders, PA, Gentiva Hospice Care, and the physicians, nurses and staff at St. Vincent Infirmary, Little Rock.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 6-8pm at Smith Funeral Home, North Little Rock.

Funeral is set for 10:00 AM Monday, October 16, 2023 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in your area.