DL Flt Instructor Don Strickland, age 86

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Jan 25, 2026, 2:22:52 PM (6 days ago) Jan 25

to Pilot Communication Net

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Flt Instructor Don Strickland

July 24, 1939 - January 22, 2026

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PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/01/dl-flt-instructor-capt-don-strickland.html

https://www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Don-Strickland?obId=47064341

Donald Elmo “Don” Strickland, 86 of Milner, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on July 24, 1939, in Hull, Georgia to the late Euel Thomas “E.T.” Strickland and the late Roberta Thompson Strickland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Hilda Virginia Fortson Strickland; siblings, Betty Fortson, Cecil Strickland, James Strickland, Florene Jenkins, and Curtis Strickland.

Mr. Strickland was a devoted and loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Hilda. Their life together was rooted in deep love and companionship, and they found their greatest joy simply being together. Whether they were spending time with family, traveling, camping, fishing, or sitting in the back porch swing. Those moments side by side meant everything to them.

That same love carried through every part of Mr. Strickland’s life. Don was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He retired as a pilot instructor from Delta Airlines after 32 years. Don was a “jack of all trades” and could build or fix anything. He was proud of his farm and loved to cut his grass on his tractor. Don enjoyed sports, but especially loved fishing and golf. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Atlanta Braves and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He served his country proudly as a Corpsman in the United States Navy and attended Milner Methodist Church. His memory will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind.

Those left to cherish Don’s life are his children and their spouses, David Strickland (Marcia), Donna Farrenkopf (Don Ransom); grandchildren and their spouses, Erin Studstill (David), Meghan Wiggins (Alvin), Loren Strickland, Ethan Strickland, Ashley Chatley (Scott), Taylor Farrenkopf (Brittany); great-grandchildren, Reagan Studstill, David Studstill, Remy Wiggins, Mackenzie Chatley, Reagan Farrenkopf, Madison Farrenkopf; God-son, Eli Fouts.