Elbert Jackson Strickland

Elbert Jackson Strickland, 89, went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2026, in Wiggins, Mississippi. He was born on February 4, 1937, in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, to Gordon and Vertie Fairfax Strickland. Elbert was the ninth of eleven children and, having grown up on a farm, learned from an early age the value of hard work, determination, and providing for those he loved.

Elbert proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 20 years before retiring. During his military career, he traveled to many places around the world and served during wartime. He was deeply proud of his service and earned the respect of his fellow servicemen and those who worked alongside him.

After his military retirement, Elbert continued his life as a hardworking man, working for Mississippi Power for 20 years as a Plant Operator at Plant Watson of Gulfport. He was respected by his coworkers and was known as a man who could be counted on. Elbert was quiet and kept mostly to himself. He was his own man—a tough, independent, and determined person who stayed busy and rarely needed anyone to tell him what to do.

Elbert was happiest when he was working with his hands. He could often be found outside doing yard work, farming, tinkering with his tractors, or simply finding something that needed to be fixed or worked on. Working was more than a job to Elbert; it was simply who he was. He spent much of his life providing for his family and making sure those around him were taken care of. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed watching old television shows, especially The Lone Ranger and Walker, Texas Ranger.

Above all else, Elbert loved his family. He was married to the love of his life, Alice Strickland, for 60 years. Their marriage was a special blessing in his life, and he loved Alice more than anything in this world. Together, they built a family that gave him great pride and left behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion.

Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Vertie Strickland; and nine of his siblings.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Alice Strickland; his sons, Kevin (Tonya) Strickland and David Strickland; grandchildren, Aaron Strickland, Nathan Jacob Strickland, and Chloe (Keaton) Iser; great-granddaughter, Emma Grace; brother, Floyd (Pat) Earl Strickland; and numerous other beloved family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Elbert was a man who did not need many words to make an impression. He worked hard, served his country proudly, loved his family deeply, and lived life in his own quiet and steadfast way. His legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched.

Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Strickland family during this time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.