Master Sergeant Jack Lenair "Ricky" Strickland, Jr., (U.S. Air Force, Retired) 69, of Binsfeld, Germany and formerly of Mullins, passed away August 13, 2025, following a sudden illness. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina on March 6, 1956, the son of the late Jack Lenair Strickland, Sr. and Carolyn Rogers Bullard.

Ricky graduated from Mullins High School and entered the United States Air Force, where he began a long career with the military, serving from August 1974 until July 1998. He proudly served his country with honor and integrity having attained the rank of Master Sergeant at his retirement. While a member of the Air Force, he received numerous awards including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Following his retirement, Ricky was very involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars serving as Post Quartermaster, Post Commander, and District 1 Commander.

In addition to his father, Ricky was also predeceased by a brother, Daniel Herey "Danny" Strickland.

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Rogers Bullard of Mullins; two sons, Michael James Strickland of Texas and Joseph Alan Strickland (Nora) of Virginia; a grandson, Caleb Strickland; brother, James Scott Bullard; former wives, Kathy Denny and Anna Herr; an aunt, Ouida Sarvis (Wayne), and numerous cousins.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the chapel of Meares Funeral Home with inurnment and full military honors to follow at Red Hill Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to remember Ricky, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to the VFW, 106 Floyd Street, Mullins, South Carolina 29574.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.