Alan Ray Strickland, 55, died Sept. 8, 2009. Born in Melbourne, FL, on Dec. 29, 1954, to A.C. and Susie Strickland, he was raised in Crystal River and Homosassa. He graduated CRHS in 1972, and enlisted in the Army. Since leaving the Army, he had spent most of his life living in Apopka, FL, until three years ago when he moved back home to Citrus County, where he lived the remainder of his short life. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; 2 daughters, Stephanie Nicole Strickland and Marie (Joe) Whalen, both of Apopka; a son, Joe of Iron City, TN; 3 brothers, Carmen, A.C. and Randy; 4 sisters, Linda, Sherry, Jackie and Paula "Susie"; 4 grandchildren; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and a host of others who loved him. We are honored and humbled to have shared this earthly existence with him. We will always love and miss you. God speed, Alan, until we meet again - all of us in the family.