Dennis Ray Strickland

Dennis Ray Strickland age 63 of Newcastle, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 4, 2017. Dennis was born November 11, 1953 in Oklahoma City. He was the youngest of two children born to Donald Ray Strickland and Billie Jean (Butler) Strickland. Dennis grew up in South OKC and faithfully attended Jefferson Heights Baptist Church for a span of 30 years. Through eleventh grade, he attended S. E. High School. His senior year he moved to Wanette where he graduated with the class of 1972. That same year, Dennis began working for Overhead Door Company of OKC. He worked for them nearly 20 years before starting his own company in 1992 called "Stars and Stripes Construction", doing all facets of home remolding and repairs. Dennis married Connie Rae Rinehart on December 31, 1977 in Oklahoma City. Together they raised two children, Devon and Jennifer. Dennis and his family moved to Newcastle in 1981 where they attended Calvary Baptist Church for 10 years. For the past 23 years he has been an active member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church. For many years he taught children and youth Sunday school, worked with vacation bible school, and acted as an Awana leader. Dennis loved being outdoors and working with his hands. Throughout his life he enjoyed SCUBA Diving, riding motorcycles, hang gliding, and camping and fishing with his family. As a child, he was a Boy Scout and later worked as a Boy Scout leader for 20 years. A gifted carpenter and jack-of-all-trades, he took part in many of the church's add-ons and even built his own home in Newcastle. For 20 years he used his gift to serve with the SW Mississippi Builders for Christ. During this time, he also went on several church mission trips to foreign countries. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Don and Billie Strickland; Sister, Sharon Owens; He is survived by: Wife, Connie Strickland of the home; Son, Devon Ray Strickland of Tuttle, Daughter, Jennifer Rae Strickland of Newcastle, Honorary Granddaughter, Lexi Schender of Newcastle, Mother-in-law, Joyce Rinehart of Thomas, OK, Sister-in-law, Renee Hidlebaugh and husband Clyde of Putnam, OK; Six nieces and nephews, Kyle Stone, Tim and Chris Owens, Stacy Goble, Amy Meyers and Tiffany Nagle. Several cousins, many children whom he loved and who loved him, and a host of church family and friends. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Newcastle. Interment will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in S. OKC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodland Hills Bapt. Church building fund. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle.

Dennis Ray Strickland

November 11, 1953 - May 4, 2017