Darwin R. Strickland, Jr.

Obituary For Darwin R. Strickland, Jr.

Mr. Darwin R. Strickland, Jr. passed October 5, 2014.

The Celebration of life for Mr. Darwin R. Strickland, Jr. will be held on Monday, October 13, 2014 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church, 501 Mitchell Street, SW, Atlanta, GA with Rev. Yvette D. Massey, Pastor Officiating. Interment, Lincoln Cemetery. Remains instate 9:30 AM.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2014 frm 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Wake Services will be held from 6-7:00 PM at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home, 227 East Lake Dr., SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30317, 404-373-3191. www.grissom-clarkfh.com

Darwin R. Strickland Jr., affectionately known as "Brother" and “Strick", was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 23, 1938, the second of two children born to the late Darwin Strickland Sr. and the late Artie Bivins Strickland, who were long time members of Central United Methodist Church. Darwin went to join God's Angelic Band on Sunday, October 5, 2014.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956, Darwin was hired at the historic Music Inn on Hunter Street (now MLK Jr. Drive). He worked as a sales clerk and gained valuable knowledge of the music industry. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years where he was a member of the basketball team and attended ranger school. After his tour of duty, Darwin was married to the former Betty Hurt and to this union were born two children, Darwin and Sherri. He was then hired by the United States Postal Service in the Postal Data Center as an administrator and later became a mail carrier and retired after 32 years of service.

Darwin was a lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church, having served on the stewardship board, unit leader, administrative board, associate lay leader, pastor parish relations committee, nominating committee and twenty years on the music staff as a volunteer drummer/percussionist with the Choral Ensemble under the direction of the late Sally B. Parrish. During his tenure at Central, he musically mentored William "Billy" Jones, Tariq Murphy and Jamal Gordon.

His legendary musicianship was wide and varied. He performed as a band leader and accompanist for several entertainers including Darwin Strickland Trio, Billy Mitchell Trio, Bill Freeman Trio, Freddie Cole Trio, Paul Mitchell, Dante's Down the Hatch, The Sil Austin Trio, Charlie Williams Trio, Life Force, Liz Spraggins, The Ascendants, Bill Brannons Big Band, Tommy Stewart's TV Studio Band, HAST Recording Group and James Cleveland's Atlanta Chapter Gospel Workshop of America. He performed at Paschal's LaCarousel, The Apothecary, Walter Mitty's, The Federal Penitentiary, The Inauguration for Mayor Andrew Young, The 50th Anniversary of City Hall, The Arts Fesitval at Piedmont Park, The 1996 Olympics and a reception for Prince Charles at the Fox Theater. He also recorded three 45 singles. Darwin was also legendary as the original owner of a 1956 Red and White Chevrolet Bel Air car which he drove to his musical gigs on and around Hunter Street. His pride and joy still remains in the family today.

Darwin was very active with his community club, the Wisteria Gardens Club. He was a faithful member of the Booker T. Washington Class of 1956 Alumni Association until his health declined.

Darwin leaves to cherish his children, Darwin Strickland Ill (Phyllis) and Sherri Strickland Evans; the mother of his children, Betty Strickland Taylor; one sister, Dollie Mae Strickland Rozier; seven grandsons, Antonio D. Evans Jr. (Oiescia), Darwin K. Strickland, Dorian K. Strickland, Sheldon K. Evans, Aaron E. Strickland, Elias M. Norwood, Kelby B. Strickland; one great-grandson, Amarri D. Evans; one niece, Jacquelyne Grier (Duane); three grand-nephews, Julian Gray, Justin Gray, Jeremy Brown and a host of other relatives and friends.

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