Obituary of Angus Lamar Strickland

Major Angus Lamar (Buzzy) Strickland Jr., age 88, passed peacefully on February 6th 2021, at his home surrounded by family. He was a strong family patriarch, fiercely independent, and was a master storyteller steeped with wit and charm. He was deeply loved by his family and will be sorrowfully missed. Born 8/28/32, a son of Angus L. Strickland Sr. and Ermalee Bennett Strickland. Angus, or “Strick”, was a southern tobacco farm raised boy who enjoyed midday retreats by a cool creek on hot days. Childhood mischief led him to a neighbor’s icebox filled with wonderful vanilla ice cream. Swiftly disciplined, this was when he began building a bedrock of principle for his future family to come. He knew firsthand of work ethic, sacrifice, passion, and pain. He would become a man who would give advice and share his life’s lessons with any who gave an ear. He joined the Airforce at 19 and honorably piloted campaigns in Korea and Vietnam, and traveled to dozens of countries resulting in frequent family separations but at times with family-in-tow. Angus was a worldly experienced airman. He retired from the Airforce in 1977 and later became District Supervisor of the Louisiana Dept. of Motor Vehicles for 20 years thereafter. In retirement, he was a role model family figure who provided pride in achievement, learning in livelihood, and comfort in sorrow. To his love, Sue, he was steadfastly dedicated and supportive in sharing their many interests in music, the arts and travel. To his children, he was a loving and giving father guided in principle. To his grandchildren, he eclipsed legend status and served as an example to emulate. Angus, Strick, Buzzy, Daddy, Papa, your life resides in each of us now, and we are overly blessed to have had our moment on this surly earth with you. Please watch over each of us and give us the keys to wisdom, strength, and resolve. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace. Amen Angus is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Melba Sue Hutchings Strickland and daughter Lorilee Oglesby 61 (husband Danny deceased) and son Michael Lynn Strickland (deceased), a sister, Camille Strickland Reed and husband Dr. Robert A. Reed, five grandchildren, Ronald A. Strickland USMC (wife Lyn), Capt. Adam Christopher Strickland USMC Ret. (wife Alexandria), Marybeth Strickland, Maj. Stephanie Michelle Kennedy USAF (husband Lt. Col. Rome), Christina Ann Oglesby, and 11 great grandchildren. A private family memorial will be held at a future time.