Obituary of Denny Strickland

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ Church on Harvard (3515 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74135) on June 6th, 10 AM. A brief reception at the church will follow.

Denny passed peacefully from this life on May 21, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 14, 1955, to Rogers N. and Betty Jean (Higdon) Strickland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Sarah Jane Strickland and Carol Jo Strickland, and niece Alsweeterzan (Ali) Strickland. He is survived by his wife, Ginny Strickland; his sons, Jay Denny Strickland Jr. and his son Whey Hem, Shane Strickland and his wife Cindy, Cole Strickland and his wife Erin, and Connor Strickland; his brother, Rogers N. Strickland Jr. and his wife Peg, and their children Jennifer (her husband Jesse and their children), Nathan, and Daniel; his sister, Joy Owens and her husband Terry; his sister, Elizabeth Herron and her children Ashley Barnes (her husband Matthew and their children) and Alex Herron and his children; and Carol Jo’s son Michael Denny Ussery and his daughter.

Denny was baptized by Christ United Methodist Church in 1956. He attended elementary school at Patrick Henry Elementary, high school at Thomas A. Edison High School, and graduated from Oklahoma University School of Pharmacy in 1979. He practiced pharmacy until his retirement in 2023.

Denny lived a vibrant and full life. In childhood, he was mischievous and confident. As a husband, he was compassionate and devoted to his family. He possessed an unwavering belief in his own boundless potential. While his fearlessness and bold confidence sometimes tested the patience and reality of those closest to him, his spirit always shone through, leaving a lasting impression of courage and determination. Through both joyful highs and challenging lows, he faced each chapter with resilience.

Fatherhood became one of his greatest joys. He most enjoyed sharing his love for his sons alongside his love of the outdoors. He consistently reminisced about taking the boys camping in State and National Parks, hiking, and attending their sporting events. He was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with Cole and Connor, going with them to Philmont Scout Ranch and Seabase. Last fall in 2023, he was still at it — traveling all the way to Colorado for a backpacking trip with Cole, Rogers, and Daniel.

Denny was a trusted servant of the AA Fellowship for over 4 decades and sponsored several fellow members through the program. He was also very active in the Oklahoma Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists organization. His indomitable spirit uplifted and inspired countless lives who are better for having known Denny.  Denny loved German cars, classic vinyl rock, and golf. He was always working on lowering his score. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation by visiting www.pcf.org.

“I humbly offered myself to God, as I then understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction.” The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com