SEPTEMBER 18 – Bruce Jefferson Strickland, 85, of Farmville, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2008 at his home. He was the husband of the late Celestia Strickland.

Born in North Carolina November 7, 1922, Mr. Strickland was the son of the late Luther and Oma Strickland.

He was a US Army veteran of WWII serving in the Philippines as a paratrooper, marksman and bodyguard for high-ranking officials.

Following the war, Bruce moved to Hampton where he supervised the inspection of nuclear submarines for the Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company. After retirement Bruce and Celestia moved to a farm in Charlotte Court House where they enjoyed raising cattle. Later, they moved to Farmville to satisfy the dream of owning an Antique Shop.

For the past several years Bruce has been a volunteer at Southside Community Hospital where he was a blessing to many who needed his gentle care and sincere compassion. He was also a member of the VFW and Worsham Baptist Church.

He is survived by three daughters, Linda Foley of Port-land, Oregon, Deborah Hogge of Richmond, and Pamela Brady of Gunnison, Colorado; one sister, Bonnie Hahn of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, in Trinity Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Shorter Funeral Home.

Shorter Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.