William “Bill” Dallis Strickland
May 25, 1950 – April 1, 2023
William “Bill” Dallis Strickland, age 72, of Alabaster, Alabama passed away in his sleep on the morning of April 1st after a long illness. He was born in Graceville, Florida, to Harvey and Melbalene Strickland on May 25, 1950. He grew up with his 6 brothers and sister in rural Florida often spending time fishing, hunting, and doing summer jobs to help support the family. He recalled his childhood fondly, often spinning tales of adventure for his children and grandchildren.
Upon graduating High School, Bill enlisted in the US Air Force where he worked in the computer departments. His time in the Air Force took him to many places in the US, but also to the Azores. At his final destination at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma he met and married the love of his life Betty Elaine Strickland and her son, Darren Burdick. Bill and Betty would then welcome son, Dustin William and daughter, Amanda Elaine.
Upon exiting the Air Force, Bill worked for Champlin Petroleum and Union Pacific Resources in the IT departments before leaving Texas. While in Texas, Bill incurred a life altering back injury in 1987 and was medically retired. He endured chronic pain from that day forward, but it never took his spirit or his determination to provide a “normal” childhood for his kids.
While retired he took up 2 new hobbies where he was a Master Clock Repairman for 25+ years and an amateur wood carver for 25+ years. Bill always had an artistic eye, which is evident in his work. He was also an avid fisherman, and his favorite times seem to always center around fishing with his children and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Betty; children, Darren (DeAnne) Burdick of Fort Worth, TX, Dustin (Jenny) Strickland of Helena, AL, and Amanda Stone of Alabaster. Bill has 7 grandchildren: Rebecca Garcia, Cassidy Burdick, Jacob Strickland, Dylan Strickland, Riley Strickland, Lilah Stone, and Marilyn Stone and 5 great grandchildren. He also has 5 brothers and sisters, Janice (Wilson) Rogers of Malone, FL, Myrlene (Truman) Holley of Altha, FL, Thelma (Dale) Wileman of Bonifay, FL, Donnie (Brenda) Strickland of Graceville, FL, and Sammy (Mary) Strickland of Winterhaven, FL as well as a number of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Ruby Strickland.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Alabaster First United Methodist Church, in the main sanctuary on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. A visitation will be held at 12 p.m. with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL at 2:45 pm.