The Batesville community is grieving the tragic death of Jackson Lee Strickland, 30, who passed away on December 10, 2025.
His unexpected loss has left family, friends, and neighbors heartbroken as they remember a man whose life embodied loyalty, hard work, faith, and love.
Jackson entered the world on April 29, 1995, with a name chosen proudly and purposefully.
Throughout his life, he lived up to the meaning and character behind it.
He grew up deeply rooted in family values and carried those principles into everything he did.
His athletic talent stood out early at Lakeview Academy, where he set football records that still define the school’s legacy.
After high school, he attended ABAC before returning home to work alongside his Papa—continuing the family’s long, respected history of farming.
Over the years, he carefully built and tended 600 acres in Batesville, treating the land with skill, commitment, and genuine pride.
Jackson built his greatest legacy within his own home. He married Brittany, the love of his life, on October 9, 2016, and together they created a life filled with devotion and laughter.
Fatherhood became one of Jackson’s greatest joys. His daughter, Shelby Lee, adored him with childlike certainty, and his young son, Daniel Paul, gave him endless pride.
Jackson carried the role of father with strength, humor, and an unmistakable tenderness.
Known by many as the “unofficial mayor of Batesville,” Jackson became the person everyone relied on—steady, generous, and always willing to help.
Much of his service to others happened quietly, without recognition or expectation. His grit, natural leadership, and athletic skill were matched only by the depth of his kindness.
Jackson’s death has left an immeasurable void for his family: his parents, Phil and Sharon Strickland; his brothers, Seth, Zach, and Cole, along with Cole’s wife, Lauren; his wife, Brittany; his children, Shelby and Daniel; and his in-laws, Scott and Cathy Reed.
He also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends.
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His younger brother Cole expressed the heartbreak many feel, writing that nothing can prepare someone to hear that a brother and best friend is gone.
He thanked the community for the outpouring of calls and messages during this devastating time.
Jackson is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jewell and Willene Strickland, including his beloved Nana, who was present the day he gave his life to Jesus.
His legacy—rooted in love, loyalty, faith, and heroism—will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Funeral services for Jackson are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Providence Baptist Church, with Dr. Don Drawdy, Rev. Chad Reed, and Mr. John Simpson officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home in Cornelia.
