Joseph Haywood Strickland Jr

Joseph Strickland, best known as “The Lamplighter” was called to his Heavenly home on July 6, 2021 by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joe was born on April 4, 1948 in Rocky Mount, NC. He graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Industrial Psychology. Joe worked for the State of North Carolina retiring after 30 years, both for the Employment Security Commission and the Department of Transportation as a Hearings Officer. He retired in 2004 and was awarded the coveted Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the governor for his service to the state and the community. 

As “The Lamplighter”, Joe devoted over 28 years and over 3000 musical programs to the seniors in North Carolina and beyond through his music ministry. He felt that he was called by God to use his beautiful gift of voice to bring music, joy and God’s love to senior facilities, events and gatherings. He sought to share the Lord’s message of forgiveness and promise of eternal life to all who would believe in Him. He always gave God the glory and was so grateful for this gift in which to serve Him. Joe also sang lead with the Templemen Gospel Quartet for six years and he served as “Pastor Joe” for the Moore Square Community in downtown Raleigh for 5 years. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh. 

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, the love of his life. They had a blessed marriage of over 36 years and never left each other’s side even until his last breath. They look so forward to spending eternity together. 

He is also survived by his much loved “kitty fur babies”: Smokey Joe and Poppy Joe. Heavenly fur babies waiting to see him again were Bob Bob, Sally, Tommy, Sugar Plum and especially little “Sweetie Pie”…They brought immense joy and love to Joe and Judy. 

Joseph attempted to “MAKE THE PLACE A LITTLE BIT BRIGHTER EVERYWHERE HE WOULD GO JUST LIKE THE “OLD LAMPLIGHTER” OF LONG LONG AGO” and to assure everyone he encountered that “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS CHRIST, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT SHALL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE”  John 3:16 

Joseph is now safely & joyfully home with his Lord, lending his sweet voice to the choir of angels. When Judy arrives, she will know just where to find him! 

We would like to especially thank Dr. Nathan Sison of Duke Primary Care of Knightdale and Heartland Hospice for their extraordinary kindness and care.

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