Richard Allen Strickling

Heaven's gates opened wide to welcome Richard Allen Strickling when God called him home Friday, October 4, in the early hours of the morning after a very short battle with cancer. He is remembered for the words of a song he sang so powerfully: "I want to see Jesus! 'Cause He's the One Who died for me!" And now he is with his Savior.

Born January 8, 1947, to Howard F. and Willie D. Strickling in Justin, Texas, he lived in Ashland most of his life. He attended Anderson College and Ball State University in Indiana where he met his wife of 56 years, Sharon Marie Smith; they married on June 30, 1968.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children: Jason (Lana) Strickling of Pasco, WA; Shawna (Tim) Grogean of Fairborn, OH; and Rachael Thieme of Ashland; 7 grandchildren: Owen and Mya Strickling, Alden (Faith), Leif, Samuel, Silas and Judah Hall; cousins and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, all of his aunts and uncles, and some cousins.

Rich was a proud 1965 graduate of Ashland High School and enjoyed administrating the Class of 65 Facebook page sharing birthday greetings, anniversary celebrations and general class news. He was passionate about his classmates staying connected.

Joyful years were spent singing with the Southern Gospel Quartet, Colonial City, traveling throughout Ohio blessing congregations with his tenor voice and blending with his quartet buddies: Tim, Mike, and Rick. In his earlier days, a mixed quartet, Sound of Praise, blessed 12 years of his life sharing music together.

Serving the City of Ashland for 30 years, Rich ended his career there as the Superintendent of the Water Pollution Control Faciliy. Retirement found him delivering flowers for Jim’s Flowers, faithfully caring for his father in failing health, delivering medications and durable medical equipment for Towne Pharmacy, and serving with his wife as a Volunteer at the Ashland Christian Health Center.

GRACE Church, his church home for 50 years, was another place to serve – Children’s Church, Choir, set-builder for musicals, participant in Men’s Ministry, Lighthouse Grace Group, and 30 years of Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry.

The Funeral Service will be held at GRACE Church at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 with Pastors Josh Wilson and Dan Allan presiding. Internment will follow at Ashland County Memorial Park. Friends may call two hours before the service from 10:00am till 12:00pm at GRACE Church.

Spreading the Gospel through a gift-filled shoebox is the family’s suggestion in lieu of flowers; shoeboxes will be available at the Celebration of Life service or at GRACE Church through mid-November.

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