Carl Gene Strickland, 86, of Dunbar, graduated to his Heavenly home, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15.

He was born on June 12, 1938, in Elkview,  WV to the late Cecil and Betty Strickland.

Carl graduated from Elkview High School, attended Appalachian Bible College, and then went on to Bob Jones University.  He was having to work to pay for his tuition and was not a full-time student, so before he could graduate, he was drafted into the Army.  After boot camp, he was sent to Vietnam. Later he went to Liberty University and graduated with a BS in religion. After his scholarship ended, he went to Andersonville Theological Seminary for his Master's degree in Theology, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  The seminary gave Carl a scholarship to get his doctor degree in Theology, which he did and graduated with the honor of Summa Cum Laude. God called Carl to preach the gospel, and he had a great passion to preach, and did so in many local nursing homes.  Carl could be found at Union Mission two to three times a week and the Men's shelter in Charleston preaching the word of God, along with preaching in several small churches. For many years, Carl wrote gospel tracts which he passed out every week near the Town Center walk way in Charleston. He also reached people on You Tube and Facebook by posting videos of his preaching at home.  Carl was concerned about seeing people saved, and used every gift he had to win the lost to Jesus.  He had a love for missionaries, and we helped support four missionaries for over 25 years knowing they could go where he could not to preach the gospel.

He also liked to be outside where he planted vegetable and flower gardens which were always very successful thanks to Carl's green thumb.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pansy Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Phyllis Strickland of Dunbar. Carl and I had a wonderful love for each other thanks to God putting his love into our lives.  He called me 'Sweetheart', and said that I was his angel from God.  I called him 'My Sweetheart' and 'My Handsome Prince'. Carl is also survived by his sisters, Joyce Huffman of Charleston, Ann Burdette of Charleston, Betty Jane Spangler of Kenton, OH, Judy Kennedy of Clendenin, Cathy Moles of Elkview; brother, Cecil Strickland (Wilma) of Elkview; son, Christopher Strickland (Amber) of Princeton; step-daughter, Pamela Shirk (Les) of Ft. Myers, FL; step-son, Jerry Johnson of Charleston; grandchildren, Kailey Kanode, Davian Strickland, Tyler Strickland, Jonathan Shirk (Shey), David Shirk (Alissa); great-grandchildren, Skye Shirk, Abigail Shirk; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 22, at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, St. Albans, with Pastor Mike Hager and Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Friends may visit from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, St. Albans.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net