Eston ‘Buddy’ Wayne Strickland

Posted on June 21, 2023

Eston “Buddy” Wayne Strickland, 62, of Taylor County passed away June 13, 2023, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Buddy was born on Dec. 22, 1960, to Wayne H. Strickland and Beatrice Courtney Strickland in Perry. After graduating from Taylor County High School in 1979, he went on to work as a boilermaker and welder in the construction field. He worked in this field as part of the Local Boilermakers Union #199, traveling all over the world as a superintendent in general construction, or, as anyone who worked with him knew, “The Boss Man.” In 1982, he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Grantham Strickland. Buddy and Suzanne went on to have three children: Courtney, Daniel (Erica) and Claudia (Rayne Slaughter). They also have five grandchildren: Gracie, Emma, Ryeleigh, Brody and Truett Wayne. In 2014, Buddy Wayne retired and spent his time doing what he loved best, being with his family. Anyone who knew Buddy Wayne would tell you that the only thing he loved as much as his family was the land he lived on. He was an avid hunter, fisher and outdoorsman. His favorite spot in the world was on his front porch in his rocking chair watching his deer or his grandchildren. Buddy was predeceased by his beloved father, Wayne Strickland, and mother-in-law Rita Holley. He is survived by: his mother; wife; children; grandchildren; sisters, Rhonda (Bobby Porter) and Sherry Strickland; and a “slew” of relatives. There will be a private celebration of life held at a later date. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.