Mr. Ronnie DeWayne Strickland, age 68 of Sparta, passed away at 6:16am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Ronnie was born September 25, 1957 in Winter Haven, Florida to the late Douglas Frazier and Katherine Alline Simmons Strickland. Ronnie had a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Navy. During his years of service, he crossed the equator four times. Following his Navy career, he ultimately retired from NASA in Houston, Texas.  He was a Miami Dolphins fan on Sundays, but his blood ran orange for the University of Tennessee the other six days of the week.

Survivors include his wife Donna Manus Strickland

Children: Jasmine Strickland and husband Travis Everett, Ashley Strickland and fiance' Chris Soule, Logan Strickland and wife Kelsey

Step son: Nathan Whiteaker and wife Savanna

Grandchildren: Brady Elizabeth Soule, Olivia Renee Soule, Collins Elizabeth Strickland, Graham Steele Strickland, Texanna Whiteaker and Colt Whiteaker

Two brothers: Danny Strickland, Steve Strickland and wife Debbie

Nieces:Alayna Duffel and husband Andrew, Tessa Van Etten and husband Rich

Nephews: Josh Strickland and Drew Strickland and wife Rachel

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00pm Sunday, October 26, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard will follow in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 12:00pm Sunday at Hunter Funeral Home. Bryan Simmons will officiate.

Steve Howell, Bill Brockman, Gordy Wallace, David Broyles, Tim Kentner and Billy Manus will serve as Ronnie's pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hunter Funeral Home, PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583 to help the Strickland family with funeral expenses.