- Date Of Birth: July 26, 1933
- Date Of Death: July 14, 2008
- State: Florida
Richard Edward “Dick” Strickland Born July 26, 1933, passed away Monday, July 14, after a long battle with diabetes. He was a native of Bamberg, S.C., but for a number of years had made Fort Walton Beach his home.
Dick received undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering from the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida.
In the U.S. Air Force he earned a distinguished career as a test pilot which meant he was in upper echelon as a pilot, he was among the best of the best. His promising career that possibly involved astronaut training was brought to an abrupt end because of his diagnosis of diabetes.
Dick continued his support of the U.S.
Dick was an outstanding aerospace engineer, a pioneering weapon systems analyst and a skilled test pilot. He devoted his career to making sure the Air Force has the best capability possible to do the job. He was a patriot who loved his country, the Air Force, and his family.
Preceding him in death were his parents and brother.
Survivors are his wife Suzanne; daughter Dr. Robyn Gordon (husband Barry) and children Cory and Sean of Navarre, FL; daughter Elise Slack (husband Steve) and children Casey and Rachel of Colorado Springs, CO; and son Mark Strickland. Two sisters: Milly Young (husband Dave) of Chapel hill, NC, Sally Ryan (husband Jimmy) of Eglin, SC, and several nieces and nephews.
