August 14, 2025, 77, Goldsboro —

Roland Edward Strickland Jr., 77, of Raleigh passed away peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro with family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro with visitation afterwards.

Roland was born in Wayne County on June 18, 1948 to the late Roland Edward Strickland Sr. and Estelle Jones Strickland.  He attended Atlantic Christian College to prepare him for his career in Accounting. Roland worked hard and played hard.  Working until his 70’s, he retired as CFO from American Pride in Raleigh, NC.  

An avid golfer, he spent countless hours playing the game with his friends and was adamant to always “play it as it lies”. As a season ticket holder he loved watching college basketball and football games, where he would root for his favorite team, the N.C. State Wolfpack. With his silly disposition and quick wit, he often left family and friends with a smile on their faces. His generous spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his son, Patrick Strickland (Bonnie) of Taylorsville; his daughter, Michelle Langston (Chris) of Snow Hill; his brother, J.C. Strickland of Garner; his sister, Linda McCollum of Seven Springs; many special nieces and nephews, other family and friends and his special caregiver, Deborah Johnson.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roland’s memory to Kitty Askins of Goldsboro, NC, The Alzheimer’s Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.