Rev. Marshall Brugler Strickland

Nahunta- Rev. Marshall Brugler Strickland, 88, of Nahunta died Tuesday morning (January 7, 2014) at his residence after an extended illness. Born in Nahunta, GA his parents were Joseph Barnwell "Barney" and Sarah Juanita Brugler Strickland. He is also preceded in death by a daughter, Edith Carole Strickland Sheffield; and 2 Brothers, James Rogers Strickland and Joseph Lewis Strickland. Rev. Strickland married Vera Higginbotham on July 9, 1950 and received a Bachelor of Theology in 1952 at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, B.A in 1954 from Mercer University, Ordained Deacon of the United Methodist Church in 1963, and Ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church in 1966. He served 27 years as a pastor, serving 40 congregations in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and was a Free Mason for over 65 years. Rev Strickland retired in 1987, returning to Nahunta, where he continued to be active in the service of ministry to friends, family and his community. He celebrated 50 years as a member of The United Methodist Clergy. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vera Higginbotham Strickland of Nahunta; a Son and Daughter-in-law, Barry Marshall & Lou Strickland of Whigham, GA; 4 Grandchildren, Rev. Christopher L. & Courtney Sheffield of Orlando, FL, Leigh Anne Strickland of Charleston, WV, Lauren Carole Strickland of Nashville, TN, and Joseph Barry Strickland of Sarasota, FL; 2 Great Grandchildren, Everly Grace Sheffield and Isla Faith Sheffield; a Sister, Mattie Lois Strickland Saye of Baton Rouge, LA; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Friday evening (January 10, 2014) from 6-8PM at Southside Baptist Church in Nahunta. A funeral service will be held Saturday morning (January 11, 2014) at 11AM at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Christopher Sheffield and Rev. Jerry Johns. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery, Hickox. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Wade Strickland, Southside Men's Sunday School Class, and members of the United Methodist Church Clergy. In lieu of flowers donation can be sent to the Edith Carole Strickland Sheffield Memorial Scholarship,c/o First National Bank of Coffee County, 420 South Madison Ave. Douglas, GA 31534. Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.