Morris Strickland, age 78, of Lake Waccamaw, NC passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. After a ten-year battle with cancer, Morris fought with remarkable strength and courage until the very end. Though his body grew tired, his spirit never did.

Born on July 17, 1947, in Mullins, South Carolina, Morris was the son of the late Johnnie Malcolm Strickland and the late Carrie Wilson Strickland. He was a man defined by a heart for service, a strong work ethic, and a steady sense of humor that kept things light, even during difficult times.

Morris was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Waccamaw and an active participant in the FBC Joy Group, which he always looked forward to for fellowship and the opportunity to share a favorite dish. He studied at Southeastern Community College and carried with him a lifelong love of community and a commitment to serving others wherever he was needed.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Morris took immense pride in his family. He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments—traveling with his wife, Rebecca, and children, holiday gatherings, riding his golf cart around the lake, cheering for his children and grandchildren in all they did, and rooting for the Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.

During his life with his wife, Rebecca Stephens Strickland, Morris embraced life fully, sharing many summers in Holden Beach, motorcycle rides, antique hunting, decorating their home for the seasons, and road trips in rented convertibles. They fostered animals, many of whom became “foster fails” and permanent family members, and Morris spent many years volunteering with Rebecca at the Columbus County Humane Society. He also enjoyed managing the concession stand at the Boys & Girls Home horse shows in Lake Waccamaw, where he loved meeting people and found great joy in serving good food. Their life together was rooted in compassion, service, and adventure.

Morris spent many years in the food service industry as a restaurant manager, known for his strong work ethic, culinary skills, and love of feeding others well. He later served as a bus driver for Columbus County Schools and Columbus Charter School, a role he truly loved, finding purpose and connection in getting to know his students—work his family felt honored Rebecca’s memory as a retired educator. Morris also worked at DuPont and proudly served his country as a medic in the Army National Guard.

This season of life echoes another courageous journey our family has known and reminds us that Morris’s legacy is not defined by illness, but by resilience, faith, service, and love. He had an unwavering desire to be present for life’s milestones—graduations, weddings, grandchildren, travel, and shared moments—and one of his final wishes was fulfilled when he witnessed his son Daniel marry RaeAnn on February 21, 2026.

In addition to his parents, Morris is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rebecca Stephens Strickland, and we find comfort knowing they are together again. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Ann Strickland Rivenbark, and his brothers, Johnny Mack Strickland and Donald “Mickey” Strickland.

Morris is survived by his daughter, Tiffany (Strickland) Kinney and her husband Christopher Kinney of Fuquay-Varina, NC; his son, Daniel Strickland and his wife RaeAnn Strickland of Willow Spring, NC; and his son, Jeremy Strickland of Sanford, NC. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Max Kinney, Presley Kinney, Kendra Strickland, Kira Rutland, Jude House, Roen House, and his newest grandson, Ford. He is further survived by his sisters, Sue Strickland of Cerro Gordo, NC, and Barbara Jean Nobles of Whiteville, NC.

The family extends special thanks to Morris’s longtime friend, Tom Hickman, for his unwavering friendship, support, and help over the years. The family is also deeply grateful to the many family members, friends, church family, doctors, and nurses whose care, kindness, and support meant so much to Morris and to all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Peacock Funeral Home in Whiteville, NC. In honor of Morris, those attending are invited to wear Carolina Blue.

In keeping with Morris’s lifelong heart for service, the family requests that memorials be made to the Veterans Memorial Park of America, PO Box 2046, Whiteville, NC 28431.