At the age of 7, Bennie's family moved to Cleveland, OH in 1937. He accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of The Providence Baptist Church where he first began to sing with the church choir.
At an early age, Bennie knew that he would sing and play for the Lord.
He then relocated to North Carolina in the early 60's and began his singing ministry as the lead singer for several local Gospel Quartet groups that he formed himself. Mr. Bennie loved making music and was one of the most sought after male high-pitched singers in the Southeast. He was passionate about not only singing but, looking good when doing so. He took pride in ensuring that everyone in his group 'Dressed to Impress". Matching vibrant colored suits and shiny accessories was always a must have when performing in public.
He also recorded and traveled around the country ministering in states like Louisiana, Ohio, Washington DC, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Kings Mountain, NC.
While traveling with local Gospel Quartets, Mr. Bennie met, courted and married Garenel Bridges on Oct. 17, 1969.
Mr. Bennie Strickland sung with the Thomas Brothers of Cleveland OH and was the founder and lead singer of the following Gospel Quartet Groups: The Five Stars, The DMS Celestials, The Stricklanetts and most recently until his death The Strickland Singers. Two of his favorite songs was: "Operator" and "Sweepin through the City" Mr. Bennie was proud of all he'd accomplish as an Gospel Quartet singer and decided to record his own rendition of the song, "Operator". He was also the producer of "The Spirit Filled Songbirds."
Mr. Bennie, was employed by Dole Mills in Shelby, NC and then later retired early from PP& G Mills in Waco, NC, where he then decided to play full-time for several local churches in the city of Shelby NC and Kings Mountain, NC areas including FOCUS Missionary Baptist Church, Shelby, NC.
In 2020, Bennie and his wife relocated to Statesville, NC where they attended New Faith Trinity Church, Statesville, NC.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 yrs Garenel Strickland, four daughters, Linda Strickland-Rencher (William), Lorice Banks and De'borah Strickland all of Cleveland, OH and Regina Strickland of Winston-Salem, NC, Special Daughter in Love Treva Strickland Saunders (Reginald). Ten grandchildren- Cornelius Strickland Sr., DeJuan Banks, Leroy Banks Sr., Jerlyn Banks-Edwards, Antoine Strickland Sr., RaJhene S. Wood, Reginald T. Strickland, Minister Reginald P. (Miquattia) Strickland II, Jaleil T. Strickland and Mone't Y. Strickland, Thirteen Great grandchildren and Five Great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
At the age of 7, Bennie's family moved to Cleveland, OH in 1937. He accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of The Providence Baptist Church where he first began to sing with the church choir.
At an early age, Bennie knew that he would sing and play for the Lord.
He then relocated to North Carolina in the early 60's and began his singing ministry as the lead singer for several local Gospel Quartet groups that he formed himself. Mr. Bennie loved making music and was one of the most sought after male high-pitched singers in the Southeast. He was passionate about not only singing but, looking good when doing so. He took pride in ensuring that everyone in his group 'Dressed to Impress". Matching vibrant colored suits and shiny accessories was always a must have when performing in public.
He also recorded and traveled around the country ministering in states like Louisiana, Ohio, Washington DC, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Kings Mountain, NC.
While traveling with local Gospel Quartets, Mr. Bennie met, courted and married Garenel Bridges on Oct. 17, 1969.
Mr. Bennie Strickland sung with the Thomas Brothers of Cleveland OH and was the founder and lead singer of the following Gospel Quartet Groups: The Five Stars, The DMS Celestials, The Stricklanetts and most recently until his death The Strickland Singers. Two of his favorite songs was: "Operator" and "Sweepin through the City" Mr. Bennie was proud of all he'd accomplish as an Gospel Quartet singer and decided to record his own rendition of the song, "Operator". He was also the producer of "The Spirit Filled Songbirds."
Mr. Bennie, was employed by Dole Mills in Shelby, NC and then later retired early from PP& G Mills in Waco, NC, where he then decided to play full-time for several local churches in the city of Shelby NC and Kings Mountain, NC areas including FOCUS Missionary Baptist Church, Shelby, NC.
In 2020, Bennie and his wife relocated to Statesville, NC where they attended New Faith Trinity Church, Statesville, NC.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 yrs Garenel Strickland, four daughters, Linda Strickland-Rencher (William), Lorice Banks and De'borah Strickland all of Cleveland, OH and Regina Strickland of Winston-Salem, NC, Special Daughter in Love Treva Strickland Saunders (Reginald). Ten grandchildren- Cornelius Strickland Sr., DeJuan Banks, Leroy Banks Sr., Jerlyn Banks-Edwards, Antoine Strickland Sr., RaJhene S. Wood, Reginald T. Strickland, Minister Reginald P. (Miquattia) Strickland II, Jaleil T. Strickland and Mone't Y. Strickland, Thirteen Great grandchildren and Five Great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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