William Theodore Strickland

January 5, 1950 - June 13, 2024

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visitation

Pike Creek Bible Church

199 Polly Drummond Hill Road

Newark, DE 19711

Tuesday 6/25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

service

Pike Creek Bible Church

199 Polly Drummond Hill Road

Newark, DE 19711

Tuesday 6/25, 11:00 am

cemetery

Newark Cemetery

Chapel and New Streets

Newark, DE 19711

302-731-4627 |

Private family interment.

William Theodore Strickland, age 74, of New Castle, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Born on January 5, 1950, in Wilmington, DE, he was the cherished son of the late William Theodore Strickland, Sr., and Vera Virginia (Matous) Strickland. William was the devoted husband of 49 years to Holly Strickland.

A proud graduate of William Penn High School, Class of 1968, William was a standout athlete, excelling in varsity football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to education and service.

William’s passion for teaching was evident in his role as a co-founder of Temple Christian School, where he inspired countless students. He continued his educational career at Wilmington Christian School following a merger, bringing his unwavering commitment to excellence to a broader community. Beyond the classroom, William served faithfully as a minister on staff at Temple Baptist Church/Pike Creek Bible Church and as an interim pastor at multiple area churches, offering guidance and support to many.

His love for sports extended to coaching volleyball at Wilmington Christian School, Newark High School, Archmere Academy and Delaware Tech, where he was known for his dedication and ability to motivate his players. Even after retiring from full-time teaching, William’s desire to make a difference led him to serve as a substitute teacher for four years.

A lifelong athlete, William played in numerous softball leagues, including semi-professional teams, and was honored with induction into the Fundamental Church Softball League Hall of Fame in 2022. The plaque presented to him stated, “Bill patrolled the outfield with speed and a powerful arm. His 20+ homeruns in a single tournament is the stuff legends are made of.” His leadership, coupled with his keen sense of humor, made him a beloved figure in every community he touched.

William is survived by his loving wife, Holly Strickland; his daughter, Jessica Strickland; his sons, William Strickland, Jr. (and wife Lisa) and Wesley Strickland; his treasured grandchildren, Aedan Strickland, Andrea Cleaver, Andrew Cleaver, Mark Robinson, Cameron Robinson, and Caleb Strickland; his brother, Charles Strickland; and his sister, Brenda Ciconte (and husband Thomas). His family and friends will forever remember his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and knowledge of the scriptures, his warmth, wisdom, humor, and unwavering devotion.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Pike Creek Bible Church, 199 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE. A funeral service celebrating William’s life will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Newark Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wilmington Christian School in Hockessin Delaware, in honor of William’s legacy of service and dedication to education.

William’s legacy of dedication, leadership, and humor will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

RT Foard

Jerry Grasso

Bethany Lockerman (Burton)

JIllian Foster

Louie Defilippis

Starlet P Quill

Barbara Bartley

Michele Warren Covey

Cara Wagner

George Timko

Patrick Lafferty

Flowers & Gifts

Pike Creek Bible Church

199 Polly Drummond Hill Road

Newark, DE 19711

Map

Tuesday 6/25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Pike Creek Bible Church

199 Polly Drummond Hill Road

Newark, DE 19711

Map

Tuesday 6/25, 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Newark Cemetery

Chapel and New Streets

Newark, DE 19711

302-731-4627 | Map

Private family interment.

Send Flowers & Gifts

See Condolences

Bill was a motivational person to me. When I was a teen, he challenged me to read the entire N.T. In just ONE WEEK! I completed the challenge and I was a glad I did! Great guy!

Mr. Strickland was my driver's ed teacher at Temple Christian and was one of the nicest, funniest people I've known as was his wife, Holly. Prayers and condolences to his family. Rest in peace Mr. Strickland.

To a wonderful coach and great guy. God Bless.

Mr. Strickland was my bible teacher throughout my time at Wilmington Christian School, along with my dad, Bill Burton. I remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to the whole family. We are praying for you all!

In memory of William Theodore Strickland, JIllian Foster lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts are prayers go out to Bill's family. I know he is with God.

In memory of William Theodore Strickland, Louie Defilippis lit a candle

Mr. Strickland was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I looked forward to his stories that could go on and on and on. He was so knowledgeable and I enjoyed waking up and heading to school and having his class! I’ll forever cherish him!

In memory of William Theodore Strickland, Starlet P Quill lit a candle

Bill was a dear friend, teacher and Christian brother later in life. I would echo George Timko's comments. Bill represented a modern day Job to me in many ways. He stood strong in his Christian faith no matter how many, the type, the intensity or the duration of adversity. I look forward to a reunion in heaven some day. My sympathy to and prayers for Holly, Jessica, Bill Jr, Wesley and the entire family for their loss.

Billy was the closest I came to having a big brother. If you needed him he was there even if you hadn't seen or talked to him in 20 years. As kids we were all close because our parents being brother and sisters and their Mother were a very tight knit family. So the 8 of us grandchildren were very close. But we all grew up and took different paths in life and like all families drifted apart. I grieve the fact that he is no longer a part of the physical world but I take comfort in knowing he is with our Lord in the highest and reunited with his Dad,Mom, Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles who also loved him so very much. R.I.P. Billy. To Holly and Family I am so very sorry for your loss. May God Bless you all. Cousin Sandi

My Cousin, My FRIEND I will missed you so much. We grew apart but I never forgot you You spoke at my Fathers service. My Father thought the world of you. He was always there when you played Ball. He spoke highly of you. In will miss our younger lives. We had the Best of Times.💙 Sleep in the Arms of the ANGELS Thank you for speaking at my at Mom's SERVICE I know she appreciated it as did I.You will always be her " Little Billy". Love you "Cuz". 💕💕💙💕💕

In memory of William Theodore Strickland, Barbara Bartley lit a candle

Prayers for the family. Such a fine man. He taught me not only to drive a motor vehicle , so much more. I met Mr. Strickland in 1981 transferring from St. Marks after 10 yrs of catholic indoctrination. His patient mentoring this bold impetuous teen left an immeasurable positive on my life. I will forever remember his mouth rendition of our national anthem. His love and grace molded my understanding of biblical truths. Well done Mr. Strickland His good and faithful servant. May your offspring be double blessed. Your legacy is secured in righteousness. Rest well. May those that knew you continue to walk in the truth you demonstrated

Mr Strickland was the best teacher I ever had. He made learning fun. He will remembered fondly and missed .

Well, Willie sure do miss you. Doubt I'll ever forget the times we shared with Frankie Fecus. See you soon!! Arbee

I had written my condolences but I see it never posted. Holly and family I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed listening to Bill preach from the pulpit and teaching Bible studies. I pray the beautiful memories you shared with Bill will bring you comfort. He is with Jesus, like Jesus. Well done good and faithful servant.

Praying for the family, Mr. Strickland was a wonderful teacher and will be missed greatly

There are only a handful of men I can say that had a majorly influence on my knowledge and understanding of Scripture…and Bill was right at the top….he taught us the root of Scripture by teaching us the original Greek to give us the true meaning of God’s Word….he was truly God’s gift to many… May he be at peace and receive his reward for being a true and faithful servant….!!!

When I think of Bill, I remember how he poured truth into his students! He was a force for good; always preaching Jesus, often without words. His big stare was enough at times! God bless you all!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mr. Strickland made a difference in a lot of lives. He was my teacher/coach 40+ years ago. Never forgot him.

What a boss! He said I was the bossest. He used to come close to breaking my hand when I would challenge him to a handshake. The only home run I ever hit in my career was with him at the helm as coach. He gave me grief because I loved the same “satanic” music he loved when he was in high school. Rest in heaven, boss. WCS 7-12 (1998)

Had the privilege of being a student in one of his phys-ed classes. Will never forget "William The Strickland"!!! Bill was an absolute Godly role model for a lot of guys!! So sorry to hear! Praying for the family...

I remember Bill from our Spanish 4 class at Wm Penn with Ms Chicoski. Good memories. Sending prayers for ur family. 💕

In memory of William Theodore Strickland, David McDonough lit a candle

I love you and miss you Dad. You were always right there for me through all my troubles and triumphs. You gave me everything you had and most important you led me to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. I thank God everyday for blessing me with you and mom as my parents.

Bill was a life long friend-grew up on Gail Road in Chelsea Estates. He once said to me : "you know, we had a near perfect childhood" ...I think we did, due in large measure to great friends like him.

Bill was a great athlete at William Penn and semi pro baseball and a big time softball player in this region. I played with him and against him over the years and he was a tremendous competitor. As a younger kid from Chelsea estates I looked up to him and his brother Chickie. I beleve his greatest accomplishment was as a husband and father and aMan of God. He set the example for many of us to be good husbands, fathers and citizens✝️🙏

Always Team Mates

So sorry for your loss. Bill and I graduated from William Penn HS in 1968. I remember him well from high school. Thinking of all of you and wishing you God’s comfort and peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.