Mr. Rufus Strickland age 80, of Maxton, North Carolina was born on October 02, 1940, to the late Mack Strickland and the late Adlean Locklear Strickland in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life into eternity on Monday, January 11, 2021, at his home. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Virginia Strickland, a daughter Lisa Clark, a grandson Joseph Bullard, his brothers Daniel Strickland, James Strickland, and Mack Strickland, his sisters Zebra Locklear, Gladys Hall, Noma Strickland, and Lizzy Strickland.

Mr. Rufus was a loving father, grandfather, and a friend to all that knew him. He loved spending time with his family. He was a member of Light of Truth Holiness Church. Mr. Rufus was employed with Croft Metals for numerous years and also the Public Schools of Robeson County.

He leaves to cherish his memories two sons Larry Dean Kirby of Pembroke, North Carolina and Clyde Strickland of Hoke County, eight daughters Carol Chavis (Wayne), Tammy McMillian (Ben), Dora Long all of Maxton, North Carolina; Brenda Bullard (Wilbert) of Pembroke, North Carolina; Tammy Burrow (Michael) of Raeford, North Carolina; Vann Morgan (Phillip) of Shannon, North Carolina; Dora Jane Dettler (James) of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; Cindy Pate (Keith) of Laurel Hill, North Carolina; a special son-in-law, Dwight Clark, twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, along with a host of other relatives and friends.