Stephen Lester Strickland

Stephen Lester Strickland, 61, of Roanoke Rapids died Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Steve was born June 16, 1953 in Halifax County to the late Lester and Eleanor Sullivan Strickland. Steve played football at NC State. Steve attended Roanoke Rapids High School and was a star football player. He was recruited by and played football at NC State. Steve was a loving husband and a great friend and mentor to many. He loved helping people and tried to make them feel happy. He always had a joke to tell. Steve helped establish the Roanoke Valley Adult Day Center in Weldon and served on the Board of Directors. Steves passion was fishing and he loved the outdoors. Steve is survived by his wife Donna Bruce Strickland of Roanoke Rapids; his step-children Dodi Tolbert of Little River, MD; Tracy Olesnevich of Roanoke Rapids; Conner Bruce and Duncan Bruce both of Durham, NC; his brother Gary Strickland of FL; and his sister Susan Strickland Rose of Clayton, NC. He is also survived by his nieces Jennifer Finnegan; Ashley Kirk; and Samantha Finnegan. A memorial service celebrating his life will be heldTuesday, March 3, 2015 at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service at6:00 PM. The family is recieving guests at the home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Roanoke Valley Adult Day Center 108 East 1stSt. Weldon, NC 27890.