Norman Ray Strickland, 64, of Lillington, died Friday, April 14, 2023 at UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, NC.

Ray was born October 23, 1958 in Harnett County, NC and was graduate of Lillington High School class of 1977.  He was also a graduate of Sandhills Community College where he received his associate degree.  Ray was a simple man with a heart of gold, he loved the Lord and his family above all else.  He was a loving son, husband, daddy and granddaddy.

He was preceded in death by father, Angus Strickland.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Jeanette Currin Strickland; mother, Audrey Lanier Strickland; daughters, Allison Strickland Rice (Matthew), Jamie Strickland Fields (Samuel), and Kasey Jeanette Strickland; brother, Rodney Strickland (Kim); sister-in-law, Nancy Bertrand (Andre`); brother-in-law, Bobby Currin (Rita); grandchildren, Hannah, Connor, Caroline, Luke, Nicholas, Charlotte, Colson, Julianna, Simon, and Jacob; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and his dog and beloved companion, Rudy.

A Celebration of his life will be held 2pm Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Harmony Baptist Church, 3566 NC Hwy 210 South, Bunnlevel, NC 28323, with Rev. Tommy Honeycutt officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Harnett Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends 1pm – 2pm prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff of UNC Rex Healthcare and UNC Chapel Hill Hospital for their compassionate care and support throughout the years.

Memorials may be sent to the SECU House in Chapel Hill, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517; or Harmony Baptist Church in Bunnlevel.

Arrangements by O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home & Crematory, Lillington. Online condolences at www.oppfh.com.