Douglas Doug Bright Strickland

June 27, 1955 - October 18, 2011 Douglas Doug Bright Strickland, 56, of Thomasville went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, October 18th, 2011. Doug was born and raised in Raleigh, and received his degree in History from East Carolina University. He worked as a residential builder with Homes By Dickerson, Inc. of Raleigh. Doug worshipped at Cedar Lodge Baptist Church in Thomasville, where he was a member of the Praise Choir, which he loved. Doug also loved his family, friends, rock n roll, and his dogs Laddie and Baby. He was an avid reader, and had forgotten more about the history of America, particularly in the 20th century, than many of us ever learn. We remember him for his contagious laugh and his irrepressible sense of humor. We remember him, also, for the lesson that there is great strength in laughter; Doug used that strength to move through and overcome any adversity he faced in life. Doug loved life fully. He taught us to do the same. Doug is survived by a close extended family: his wife Sue Strickland, stepdaughters Johnna and Tessa, and stepson Timmy, all of Thomasville; his daughter Laura Strickland Davis and son-in-law Justin Blake Davis of Smithfield; his mother Willowdean Strickland of Raleigh; his sister Gwen Strickland Baker and brother-in-law T.Y. Baker of Raleigh; his brother Linwood Strickland and sister-in-law Mary of Raleigh; his nieces and nephews Michael and Elizabeth Woody of Washington, DC, Christian and Dana Foss of Fuquay Varina, Brooke Baker of Charlotte, Tyler and Rebecca Foss of Georgia, Yates Baker of Raleigh, and Hunter Strickland of California; his aunts Fannie Bass of Dunn and Helen Mangum of Raleigh; and many loving cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Alton Linwood Strickland, his dear son Cameron Lee Strickland, his paternal and maternal grandparents, and Uncle Lewis Strickland. The family he leaves behind is grateful that theres a Strickland corner in Heaven waiting to welcome him with open arms and the signature Strickland laugh. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday evening, 10/20, at Bryan Lee Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, the church home in which Doug was raised, at 11 a.m. on Friday, 10/21, followed by a burial at Raleigh Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Strickland Education Fund FCC16 PO Box 27131 Raleigh,NC 27611. And in lieu of tears, and also in his honor, we ask this: laugh at least once today, wholeheartedly.