Terry Woodrow Strickland

Terry Woodrow Strickland, a cherished figure on the Gulf Coast, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the age of 76. Born on February 15, 1948, in Dade City, Florida, Terry's journey through life was marked by his dedication to family, business, and a love for the open waters and speed.

Commencing his career in car business in 1972, Terry became a prominent businessman in the community when he opened Strickland Motors in 1992 on Pass Road in Gulfport, a venture he successfully managed until 2018. His reputation as a well-known businessman on the Gulf Coast reflected not only his professional acumen but also his commitment to serving the community he called home for nearly 50 years.

A proud graduate of Pasco County High School in Dade City, Florida, Terry's early experiences shaped his industrious spirit. He briefly served in the military, where he humorously noted that he was there long enough to get the haircut before being discharged.

Beyond his professional life, Terry was passionate about fishing, boating, and antique cars. He harbored a particular fondness for anything that could go fast, often spending time at the drag strip in Gulfport. His zest for life extended to his involvement at the Northwood Church Long Beach Campus, where he embraced the community and shared in fellowship.

Terry Strickland was a charismatic man with a fascinating life that spanned nearly the entire United States. From the West Coast to the Mid-West, down to the Gulf and out on the East Coast, Terry always had a story to tell and a laugh to share with everyone. 

Terry was a member of the Krewe of Neptune and was King Neptune XX in 2001, along with his daughter Rebeca, Queen Venus.

As a successful businessman on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for nearly 35 years, there were not many situations he couldn’t solve by picking up the phone and making a call to the right person. Anyone who needed a hand could be confident that Terry Strickland would be there and whatever it was, would get done without hesitation. His levelheaded approach to life and his dependable nature was known to many of our local patrons and his family and friends remember him as a man that could be counted on at the worst of times and a blast all of the time. 

Terry fiercely loved those closest to him and spent nearly all his time between practices and games supporting his grandson Jude, or at Panache helping his daughter Rebeca as her right-hand man at her boutique, regardless of his fashion sense. Terry also inherited a rather substantial extended family from Joesph (Joe) Cowart, one of his closest friends. Terry loved Joe’s children, Clifton Cowart Joe’s son, Lacey Neal Joe’s daughter, her husband Robert and their three children, Grayson, Jameson and Henderson who he cared for like his own grandchildren. Joe’s family loved Granddad Terry a.k.a GT. 

Terry leaves behind a loving family who will continue to cherish his memory. He is survived by his daughter Rebeca Strickland Cowart and son-in-law Joe Cowart, as well as her mother, Sharon Strickland. Additional family members include DeeDee and Elliot Schroder, Chloe Schroder, Cody and Rylee Schroder, and his beloved grandchildren: grandson Jude Manning Fairley, step-grandson Cliff Cowart, and step-granddaughter Lacey Neal (Robert). His legacy will also live on through his great-grandchildren, Hadley and Rhett Schroder.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Woodrow Strickland, his mother, Jewel Lee Strickland, and his siblings, Bobby Strickland, Betty Harper, and Jimmy Strickland.

A memorial gathering in celebration of Terry's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is an opportunity for all who loved him to come together, share memories, and honor a man whose life was defined by his love for family, dedication to his work, and commitment to friends. 

Terry Woodrow Strickland will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the countless lives he touched through his business and personal relationships. His spirit will remain alive in the hearts of his family and friends.

Please sign the online guestbook and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com