Benny "Ben" Ray Strickland

Benny Ray Strickland (Ben) passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2022 at his home in Weatherford, Texas surrounded by his family. Ben was born on March 14, 1931 in McKinney, Texas and was the son of Price and Etna Strickland. He graduated from McKinney High School in 1948 and attended North Texas State University (NTSU). Ben received his undergraduate degree from NTSU in 1951. He stayed in school to pursue a medical degree but eventually opted to put studies aside and serve in the U.S. Marines Corps which he did from 1954 to 1959 as a military pilot acquiring flight experience both on land and at sea from aircraft carriers. After being honorably discharged, Ben returned to NTSU and earned a master’s degree in Administration in 1959 and PhD in Counselor Education in 1962. Dr. Strickland served as a professor at Texas Christian University School of Education from 1962 to 1991. During his tenure, he was appointed Director of the school’s Counselor Education Program. After retiring from TCU in 1991, Dr. Strickland enjoyed a successful business consulting career, working with corporations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and churches. He retired from his consulting business in 2005 to devote more time to family, friends, and personal projects. One of Ben’s greatest joys was spending summers in Cuchara, Colorado with his wife Emalyn, his family and close friends. He also loved hiking and enjoying the beauty of New England in the fall. Ben was a member of Central Christian Church in Weatherford serving on the board of Crossroads Ministry. He was also a card-carrying member of the ROMEO fraternity (Real Old Men Eating Out). Ben touched and enriched so many lives during his journey. His quiet and treasured wisdom will forever be remembered by family and friends. Ben is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Emalyn Hill Strickland; daughter, Pennelyn Strickland; and sister, Nettie Beth Jones. Ben is survived by his son, Rick Strickland and his wife, Linda of Dallas; his granddaughter, Laura Elmore and her husband, John, of Richardson; grandsons, Ben Strickland and his wife, Leslie, of Dallas, and Sam Strickland and his wife, Catherine, of Dallas. Ben had six great-grandchildren who were a big part of his life. He is also survived by his younger brother, Frank Strickland, of Austin, Texas. The Celebration of Life service for Ben will be Friday, August 19, 2022, 11:00 AM at Central Christian Church, 1602 South Main Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086. Memorial gifts may be made to Central Christian Church and its ministries. A special thanks to Kindred Hospice, Angels Among Us care givers and, of course, Patti Mahoney, who all cared for Ben in his final days. Because of their help, Ben was able to complete his final chapter at home as he always wanted.