Thomas Edward “Tank” Strickland Jr.

To know Thomas 'Tank' Edward Strickland Jr. was to love him, and oh, how he was loved by many. He lived by the famous quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one". He entered into his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Although we wanted him to stay with us longer, his list of tasks were completed and it was well done by him.

Tank was Thomas Sr. and Thereatha Strickland's only child and they were in total awe of him. He graduated from Austin East High School in 1971 and served in numerous organizations and clubs. Most notably as Class President. He continued to represent the class of 1971 as their president with enthusiasm and professionalism until the time of his death. He completed his undergraduate at The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's in Business Administration (Marketing) in 1975.

Having an entrepreneurial spirit, he developed several successful ventures including nightclubs, a telemarketing and trucking company, as well as being one of the founders of the InterFaith Health Clinic.

Tank was passionate about his involvement with Golden Gloves Arena so much that he started promoting boxing. Tank has held many titles within City Government including, City of Knoxville's Director of Community Relations and Special Assistant to multiple Mayors, Knox County Commissioner and Chairman and Vice Board Chair of Community Action Committee (CAC). He served on numerous boards including the Alzheimer Association Board Vice Chairman, Golden Gloves Boxing Board, the Metropolitan Drug Commission, Open Arms Foundation and the Martin Luther King Commission to name a few.

Yes, Thomas "Tank" Strickland, Jr. was indeed a master of business and he used his enormous gift to serve his God and his community. Tank was an Omega Man through and through and served with zeal and passion for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc for over 50 years.

Tank's accomplishments have and will continue to make an impact in the city of Knoxville and beyond. Tank was a true friend, dependable till the end. Though we've listed a multitude of efforts in Knoxville, Tank wished he could do so much more and lived in servitude until his final hour.

Preceding him from this earthly home: parents, Thomas Edward Sr, and Thereatha Strickland. 

Thomas Jr. leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 22 years, Terry; children, Jaquai(Devon) Pearson, Ashley(Devon) Weaver, Sheldon Wade: grandchildren Devon Kobi Pearson, Logan Weaver, Lucas Weaver and Dean Pearson; loyal and devoted friends, Joe (Letonia) Armstrong, Pug Fuller and State Representative, Sam (Gwen) McKenzie.

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