Larry Calvin Strickland, age 82 of Rutherfordton

Larry Calvin Strickland, age 82 of Rutherfordton died Saturday, February 7, 2026. He was born November 12, 1943, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Charles Calvin Strickland and Dorothy Melton Strickland.

In 1946 his late father, Calvin, started Strickland Grading where Larry worked as a young boy. He worked in the family business all his life eventually becoming President of the company and continued working until recently. He was later joined in the business by his brothers. He was even prouder that the family legacy of service is continued today grandchildren and family. Larry was also a member of Piney Knob Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Melissa Bennett Lynch, his brother-in-law, Earl Philbeck, and his son-in-law, Keith Cooper.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Camp Strickland, his son, Tony Strickland and wife Christy of Ellenboro, his daughter, Melissa Strickland Cooper of Forest City, his step-son, Brian Bennett and wife Tonya of Rutherfordton, his brothers, Bill Strickland and wife Sheila, Doug Strickland and wife Gail, and Mike Strickland and wife Pam all of Ellenboro, his sister, Linda Strickland Philbeck of Ellenboro, his grandchildren, Kyle Cooper, Kandace Critcher, Kent Cooper, Jordan Strickland, Nicholas Strickland, Ben Lynch, Baylee Lynch, Destiny Lynch, Naomi Lynch, and Hunter Bennett and an expectant great-grandchild on the way.

The funeral service was held February 14 at Corinth Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Conner, Rev. Casey Stockton and Rev. Michael Brown officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.