From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Paul Alan Strickland, 74, Vero Beach
May 08, 1947 – February 11, 2022
Paul Alan Strickland of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on February 11, 2022. He was born on May 8, 1947 in Lockport, New York. He grew up in Barker, New York on a fruit and dairy farm.
He graduated from Barker High School and SUNY Fredonia. For 10 years he taught in Silver Creek, New York. He moved to Vero Beach in 1979 and taught at Vero Beach Elementary for 27 years. He was known for being an amazing and compassionate teacher. After retirement, he volunteered as an Ombudsman for Elder Affairs.
He was a devoted husband to Dotty for 41 years. He adored his children, Nicole Strickland Myers (Steve), Melissa Strickland Morris, and Chad Lawrence Strickland (Cheryl). He was blessed with six grandchildren and one great-grandson Luca Waters. Beloved grandchildren include Nick and Matt Waters, Sarah Myers, Desiree Morris and Alexa and Ben DeRosa. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard Strickland (Kathy); sisters, Judy Mason (John), Gloria Tomsa (Bill), Carol Vaughn (Maurice); and brother John Dean.
He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Marie Strickland; sister, Liz Wallace; and grandson J’Shaun Morris.
He was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.
Donations in Paul’s honor can be made to Samaritan Center, 3650 41st Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32967 or Gifford Youth Achievement Center, 4875 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32967.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
James A. (Jim) Thompson, Jr., 89, Vero Beach
March 3, 1932 – February 12, 2022
James A. (Jim) Thompson, Jr. passed away at the VNA Hospice House Saturday, February 12, 2022. The family is grieving their loss but rejoicing that he is now in the arms of God.
Jim was born in Macon, Georgia on March 3, 1932 to J.A. (Coach) Thompson and Mary Bivins Thompson. They moved to Vero Beach in 1937. Jim attended elementary school and high school in Vero Beach graduating from VBHS in 1950 – one in a class of 88. He attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Blue Key Honor Society and lettered in baseball.
He was a member of Army ROTC during his four years at Mercer. Upon graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years active duty in Virginia and Texas. He was in the Active Reserve for 28 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1984. His final assignment was as Commander of 3220th U.S. Army Garrison in West Palm Beach, FL. His military awards included the Army Reserve Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal.
In 1956 Jim began a career in the insurance industry joining Buckingham Wheeler Insurance Agency, which was established in 1920. Eventually, Jim became President and sole owner of the Agency.
Jim had a long career as a sport official beginning in 1953. He did a number of high school playoff championships as well as games for the Saints and Dodgers during their spring training in Vero. When his officiating career ended in 2016 due to knee surgery, he had officiated hundreds of games all over the state of Florida. Throughout his officiating career, he maintained a superior rating in five different sports. He was the President of the National Federation of Interscholastic Officials Association. He received numerous awards including the Florida Athletic Coaches Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into three sports halls of fame.
He joined the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach when he was six years old and attended until mobility issues prevented him from being there.
In 1956 Jim followed in the footsteps of his dad and joined Rotary. He served in various positions and clubs in Vero Beach including as the charter president of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise. He maintained 65 years of perfect attendance during his membership in Rotary.
Jim was extremely community minded and enjoyed being active in many organizations throughout his life. He received numerous awards for his volunteerism and dedication to the causes he served. In addition to his service in Rotary, he was involved with the Vero Beach Jaycees, the American Red Cross, the Board of Directors of Indian River Memorial Hospital and Foundation, President of the United Way, the Economic Opportunities Council, the Indian River County USO, Indian River County Civil Defense, the Salvation Army and the Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Anyone who knew Jim learned quickly that he was passionate about whatever he committed to do and that he could be counted on to give 100%. He was known for his integrity, he was always on time (usually early), he was a man of his word and he had a great sense of humor and quick wit. He loved pizza, ice cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and McDonald’s caramel frappes with extra caramel drizzle.
He was preceded in death by his parents Coach and Mary Thompson and his daughter, Amy Thompson, of Vero Beach.
Jim is survived by his wife Lois of 68 years; son, David (Linda) Thompson of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter, Laura (David) Kennedy of Vero Beach, Florida; granddaughter, Leslie Thompson Bigwood (Clifton) and their children, Annsley and Tate, of Bluffton, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Mary (Scott) Leslie of Allen, Texas; and nieces Abigail (Zack) Bigelow of Dallas, Texas and Sarah (Matt) Leslie-Hayes and their daughter Quinn of San Antonio, Texas.
The family will be forever grateful to Laronda Rivers, a very special friend, for her many years of caring, concern and love for our family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or Sunrises Rotary Vero Beach, PO Box 6274, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
Due to COVID concerns at this time, a private family graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at Crestlawn Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim at a later date. Details will be announced once they are in place.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JAMES A. (JIM) THOMPSON, JR., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Laurent J. Smith, 89, Indian River County
August 15, 1932 – February 5, 2022
On February 5, 2022, Heaven gained an angel when our PopPop passed away at the age of 89. After battling failing health, he passed away peacefully at Hospice House of Indian River County. We have lost the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle that there ever was.
Laurent J. Smith was born on August 15, 1932, in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he grew up fishing on shrimp boats with his dad and his brothers. He attended Mississippi State University where he met the love of his life, his loving wife of 63 years, Judy. He served Indian River County for over 30 years as a coach, teacher and principal. Everywhere he went, he would see someone he had in school, and they would always tell him what an enormous impact he had on their lives. His greatest joys were his family, telling stories, making people laugh, watching football, playing cards and golf, and his Barq’s root beer.
Family members will be scattering Laurent’s ashes at a private ceremony. To honor his memory, friends, family and members of the community are invited to join the Smith family on Sunday, March 20, 2022, for a celebration of life service to remember our PopPop, whom we miss so much.
Laurent is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judy; his daughter Melanie and his son-in-law Duane; son Mark; grandsons Matthew and his wife Samantha, Scott and his wife Amber, Todd and his wife Christina; his only great grandchild Harper; and his precious dog Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents Laurent and Angelina, his brothers Willie and Bobby, his sister Martha and his most beloved granddaughter Jessica. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom Uncle Puggy loved so much.
“You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of use went with you, the day God took you home.” Author Unknown.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of LAURENT J. SMITH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dixie Lee Powell, 70, Vero Beach
September 15, 1951 – February 11, 2022
Dixie Lee Powell, 70, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Friday February 11th, 2022 at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center from Bilateral Pneumonia.
Dixie was born on September 15th, 1951 in Levittown, Pa. Merle and Donna Derr.
Dixie graduated from Lock Haven University in 1978 and completed work to sit for the CPA at FAU in 1979. In 1985 she started her own business, Dixie L. Powell, CPA. For the last 15 years Dixie has added Financial Planning to her business and renamed it Rock Solid Planning representing the strength she had in her faith. She was also the treasurer for the Vero Beach Christian Business Association and most recently attended First Presbyterian Church.
Dixie is survived by two sons, Michael Powell of Jupiter, Fl. and Steven Powell of St. Petersburg Fl; one brother, Douglas Derr of Allison Park, Pa. And two sister-in-laws, Linda Derr of Allison Park, Pa. and Jill Derr of Indiana, Pa. She was predeceased by one daughter, Elizabeth Nicole Powell and one brother, Dexter W. Derr.
A memorial service for Dixie Powell will be held at Magnolia Manor on Wednesday Feb. 23rd at 3pm with visitation from 2pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Arc of Vero Beach in honor of Elizabeth and Dixie Powell.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DIXIE LEE POWELL, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Jean Williams Reid, 90, Barefoot Bay
July 31, 1931 – February 09, 2022
Jean Williams Reid, 90, of Barefoot Bay Florida, passed from this life on February 9, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born to Festus and Anna Williams on July 31, 1931 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She moved to Miami, Florida, for her senior year, graduating from Miami Senior High School. She spent her life always putting other’s needs before her own, was an accomplished artist, and loved the ocean.
She leaves behind her beloved pet Rufus, daughters Cindy Borges (Husband Guillermo) and Sandra Look (Husband Brian), grandsons Billy Borges, Michael Look, Nicholas Look and Matthew Look, and her late Husband Ardell Reid and daughter Susan Gilliam who both predeceased her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations in her name can be directed to Aging Matters in Brevard.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jean Williams Reid, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
