Larry Calvin Strickland, age 82 of Rutherfordton died Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home.  He was born on November 12, 1943, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Charles Calvin Strickland and Dorothy Melton Strickland. 

In 1946 his late father, Calvin, started Strickland Grading where Larry worked as a young boy.  He worked in the family business all his life eventually becoming President of the company and continued working until recently.   He was later joined in the business by his brothers, which he was very proud of.  He was even prouder that the family legacy of service is continued today grandchildren and family.    Larry was also a member of Piney Knob Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Melissa Bennett Lynch, his brother-in-law, Earl Philbeck, and his son-in-law, Keith Cooper.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Camp Strickland of the home, his son, Tony Strickland and wife Christy of Ellenboro, his daughter, Melissa Strickland Cooper of Forest City, his step-son, Brian Bennett and wife Tonya of Rutherfordton, his brothers, Bill Strickland and wife Sheila, Doug Strickland and wife Gail, and Mike Strickland and wife Pam all of Ellenboro, his sister, Linda Strickland Philbeck of Ellenboro, and his grandchildren, Kyle Cooper, Kandace Critcher, Kent Cooper, Jordan Strickland, Nicholas Strickland, Ben Lynch, Baylee Lynch, Destiny Lynch, Naomi Lynch, and Hunter Bennett.  He was so pleased and excited that there is also an expectant great-grandchild on the way.

The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Corinth Baptist Church with the Reverend Mike Conner, Reverend Casey Stockton and Reverend Michael Brown officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with his nephew, Brandon Philbeck, officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10 until 11:45 prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com