Buster Leroy Strickland, Jr.Hawley, TXBuster Leroy Strickland Jr., 81, of Hawley, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 9:30AM, at the Hawley Church of Christ, followed by the funeral service at 10:30AM. The burial will be at 1:00PM at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.Leroy was born on December 16, 1935 to Buster and Naufleet Strickland. He attended school in Rochester. He married the love of his life, Shirley A. Fowler, in 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after their marriage. He retired in 1991 after a military career spanning 34 years. He was a former mayor of Hawley and member of the Hawley Church of Christ. He also coached Little League for several years. He enjoyed camping, hunting, working in the yard, his grandkids' sporting events, and spending time with family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Omitene Amonett, three children and a grandchild. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, his children; Jeff Strickland and partner John Goodman of Austin, Lori Taylor and husband Rodney of Hawley, Shannon Strickland and wife Kelly of Hawley; his sisters Vicki Medford and husband Danny, JoAnn Solomon and husband J.C.; his brothers Jerry and Phillip Strickland; brother-in-law James Fowler and wife Bobbe; grandchildren Misty Mize and husband Chad, Roger Strickland and wife Amie, Stetson Taylor and wife Kristen, Stanton Taylor and Amanda and Kaity Strickland; great grandchildren Tyler Mize and wife Tiffany and Wes Mize, Whitney Manuel and Ashley Wicklund; and a great-great grandchild on the way and numerous nieces and nephews.Pallbearers are Rodney Amonett, Kendell Medford, Chris Medford, Garland Medford, Lou Cartwright, Greg Fowler and Fred Fowler.The family would like to thank Dr. Ryali, Dr. Melnyk, Dr. Fakhoury, and Dr. Zhang. They would especially like to thank Becky and Robert with Hendrick Hospice and Linda and Christy with Angel's Care Home Health.Donations may be made in his memory to a . Condolences may be left for the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.