William O. "Bill"Strickland, age 72, of Flint, died Friday, June 1, 2001, at his home ending a hard-fought battle with cancer.Funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2001, at the Miles Martin Funeral Home, Pastor Michael Durbin officiating, with burial in Flint Memorial Park. Family will be present at the funeral home to receive friends on Sunday from 3-9 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North End Baptist Church Building Fund.Mr. Strickland was born June 5, 1928, in Franklin County, Ala., the son of William and Mettie Strickland. He moved to Michigan in 1947, working for and retiring from Fisher Body. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was a member of VFW Post No. 8236.He married Vera Reid in 1954. She preceded him in death March 3, 1997. He was a member of the North End Baptist Church and also was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking frequent trips home to Alabama over the years. William was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.He is survived by three sons, Douglas and Catherine Strickland of Flint Twp., Timothy and Vicky Strickland of Lapeer, Roger and Joyce Strickland of Red Bay, Ala.; five grandchildren, Jacob, John, Jason, Isabelle and Jeremy; aunt, Artie and Milos Strickland of Houghton Lake; aunt, Linnie Strickland of Red Bay, Ala.; good friend and caregiver, Earline Loucks of Mount Morris; numerous cousins and friends in Michigan and Alabama. He also was preceded in death by his parents.The family would like to express a special thank you to the McLaren Hospice. Papaw, we will miss you.Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online athttp:www.martinfuneralhome.com.