Nathaniel Strickland
Nathaniel Strickland has been chosen to be specially honored as a vital part of our community. Mr. Strickland is a leader, a talented musician and a community partner whom his fellow Estill Countians hold in high regard.
Nathaniel Strickland was born in Irvine on May 28, 1927 to the late J.M. Strickland Sr. and Helen V. Strickland. He has been married to Eunice M. Strickland for 51 years and their family includes son Juan Dean, daughter in law Barbara and granddaughter Ashley Renea. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Church Street in Irvine.
Nate’s schooling began humbly but led to state athletic recognition. Modern day students would likely not relate to his early one room school which had no electric lights, no running water, no indoor restrooms and only used textbooks. However, all Kentucky children would certainly appreciate the honor of his being a part of the, 1943-44 State High School Championship Basketball Team, when he was a senior of Richmond High School. During high school, in addition to basketball, his athletic abilities also were evident in 11 and 6 man football and as anchorman for the track team.
In World War II, Mr. Strickland served his country for two years statewide as part of the Transportation Corps. During that time his trombone talents highlighted an Army Band of 81 members that regularly played for parades and official functions. He also played in a 15 piece orchestra and a 7 piece jazz band. He has continued to share his musical talents and through his life as graced many church services and programs with his special music, both in and outside Estill County, as a soloist and as part of quartets and various choirs and choruses.
Mr. Strickland worked with distinction for 41 years for the Kroger Company, where he was grocery manager as well as relief store manager. He also worked for Kentucky Utilities for 28 years under Danny Long. He served on the City Council for three terms, was Mayor pro tem for 8 months and was on many committees including the Office of Economic Opportunity Board and the Federal Housing Authority Board. At his church, where he has been a member for 52 years, he has served as trustee, junior deacon, church clerk, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, choir director and custodian. He has been a part of the Irvine Fire Department for 27 years, serving as Captain and having over 300 hours of fire training. With pride and thanksgiving, he says, “We never lost a fireman die to fire injuries”.
Nathaniel Strickland has been a vital part of Estill County’s working world and the worlds of music, service and leadership. In a county with few African Americans, he is an icon, a role model and a partner. A citizen, for whom Estill Countians feel pride and appreciation.
Nathaniel Strickland was born in Irvine on May 28, 1927 to the late J.M. Strickland Sr. and Helen V. Strickland. He has been married to Eunice M. Strickland for 51 years and their family includes son Juan Dean, daughter in law Barbara and granddaughter Ashley Renea. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Church Street in Irvine.
Nate’s schooling began humbly but led to state athletic recognition. Modern day students would likely not relate to his early one room school which had no electric lights, no running water, no indoor restrooms and only used textbooks. However, all Kentucky children would certainly appreciate the honor of his being a part of the, 1943-44 State High School Championship Basketball Team, when he was a senior of Richmond High School. During high school, in addition to basketball, his athletic abilities also were evident in 11 and 6 man football and as anchorman for the track team.
In World War II, Mr. Strickland served his country for two years statewide as part of the Transportation Corps. During that time his trombone talents highlighted an Army Band of 81 members that regularly played for parades and official functions. He also played in a 15 piece orchestra and a 7 piece jazz band. He has continued to share his musical talents and through his life as graced many church services and programs with his special music, both in and outside Estill County, as a soloist and as part of quartets and various choirs and choruses.
Mr. Strickland worked with distinction for 41 years for the Kroger Company, where he was grocery manager as well as relief store manager. He also worked for Kentucky Utilities for 28 years under Danny Long. He served on the City Council for three terms, was Mayor pro tem for 8 months and was on many committees including the Office of Economic Opportunity Board and the Federal Housing Authority Board. At his church, where he has been a member for 52 years, he has served as trustee, junior deacon, church clerk, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, choir director and custodian. He has been a part of the Irvine Fire Department for 27 years, serving as Captain and having over 300 hours of fire training. With pride and thanksgiving, he says, “We never lost a fireman die to fire injuries”.
Nathaniel Strickland has been a vital part of Estill County’s working world and the worlds of music, service and leadership. In a county with few African Americans, he is an icon, a role model and a partner. A citizen, for whom Estill Countians feel pride and appreciation.