Joel Barney Strickland

Joel Barney Strickland, 80, of Hickory, departed this life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory North Carolina.

Joel was born on September 23, 1945, to the late Joel Barney “J.B” Strickland and Lucy Deatrick Miller in Oklahoma City. He was a man of strong Baptist faith and had a very gentle spirit, known by all of those around them as a great man with a loving heart. Joel began his lifelong commitment to public service as a young man in the Los Angeles Police Department Academy. He went on to serve with the LAPD for the majority of his career, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to protecting his community. After relocating later in life, Joel continued his calling with the Longview Police Department, where he remained devoted to serving those around him and doing the work he loved most.

In addition to his mother and father, he is preceded in death by his sisters Carolyn Engels, Teressa Strickland and Renee Strickland.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife Barbra (Bobbie) Strickland of Hickory, Children Chris Lane of Granite falls and Sheryl Strickland of Mexico; brother Michael “Mike" Strickland; Step-Son Todd Sullivan of Myrtle Beach; Three grandchildren, Olivia Lane of Granite Falls, Heather Dasiner of Florida and Brandy Strickland. Also surviving is his two favorite Companions, his loving dogs Daisy and Shadow.

No Services are scheduled at this time.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the family.