Old Town, Maine – Terry Lee Strickland, 79, of Old Town, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 in the comfort of his home after being diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2023. Terry was born on July 14, 1946 in Jasper, Alabama, son of John Owsyn Strickland and Joann Elaine (Strickland) Wing. He loved to tell friends and family memories of his mischievous childhood, including the several years his family lived in Japan while his father served in the Army. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy on May 1, 1964 and proudly served as a corpsman in Vietnam assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, also known as "Ghost Battalion." He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Device, two Bronze Star Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, Purple Heart Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He was released from active duty and returned to his family in New York State, where he transferred to the Naval Reserve. He attended Alfred State Community College in New York and became a father in 1970. Later he and his family moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he earned a Bachelor's of Science and Pathologists' Assistant Certification at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (Roll Tide!). They then moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he worked as a Pathologists' Assistant at Methodist Hospital and soon welcomed his second daughter in 1976. While there, he furthered his education by earning a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Memphis. He also worked as a Pathologists' Assistant at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York and Saint Luke Hospital in Utica, New York. He retired in 2003 and moved to Old Town, Maine to marry the love of his life, Claire. During his retirement he continued his passion as a silversmith under the name of Karrottop Jewelry, named after his two redheaded daughters. He became a United Maine Craftsmen, selling his artesian jewelry at craft shows across the state of Maine. He was known to generously gift many of his unique works of art to friends and family. His remaining jewelry will continue to be sold at The Rock and Art Shop, and at his request future proceeds will go to the Caring Community Cupboard in Old Town. Terry's life was marked by many adventures, which he delighted in sharing through stories that brought laughter and joy to those he told them to. He was an avid outdoorsman and found joy in passing along his love for the outdoors to his girls. Later in life, he enjoyed early morning and late evening fishing during annual family vacations at Chemo Pond. Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Claire; his four children, Shel Strickland, Melanie (Strickland) Lieberman and her husband Douglas, Jonathan Pratt and his partner Michelle, and Nicole Lawrence and her husband Peter; his seven grandchildren, Ezekiel, Braden, Ayla, Brea, Liam, Emilie, and Charlie; his four siblings, Deb Baw and her husband Ed, Margaret Bland and her husband Dennis, Kim Knight and her husband Bobby, and Larry Strickland and his wife Kathy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Sam Strickland. Terry's family offers special thanks to St. Joseph's Hospice, especially Kris and Rissa for the loving care and support they provided, allowing Terry the joy and dignity of living his final days at home. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Terry's online guestbook at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com Donations in his memory may be made to St. Joseph's Hospice, Bangor, Maine, to the Caring Community Cupboard, Old Town, Maine, or a local foodbank of your choice. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.