Who is Taylor Strickland?
Taylor was a young man who lived out his faith, and was dedicated to his family and friends. He, his mom Toni, and his dad Tim, lived in Alpharetta, Georgia, where they were active members of North Point Community Church as a family. Throughout Taylor’s life, he pursued serving others through missions at home and abroad. He was a dedicated leader of a middle school group and mentored young men during their most important formative years. He was an Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors and high adventure including fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, boating and wake boarding. Taylor loved sports and was a skilled wrestler. Taylor’s faith led him to be baptized on a mission trip with his family when he was 12.
Taylor unfortunately left us much too soon on September 6, 2016, at 23 years old. Taylor was involved in a fatal car accident, which claimed his life on his way from his job in Alpharetta to a work project in North Carolina. His beloved dog Axle lives with Taylor’s parents and brings great joy to those who know him!
Nothing Left Unsaid
When Taylor passed away, one thing his parents held onto was that nothing was left unsaid between them. Taylor knew he was fully and completely loved by them, and they knew he loved them by his words and actions in life. From that, the phrase “nothing left unsaid” was coined by the Stricklands to encourage us all to take any opportunity to say what needs to be said to others.
The Scholarship
In order to honor Taylor and to remember his legacy of faith, and love of family and others, the Stricklands and close family friends desire to bless a father and son with a trip to Christ in the Smokies from June 13-17, 2021. The purpose for these annual scholarships is to remember Taylor—to continue his legacy of Christian faith and service—and to encourage the development of faith in young men.
Nominate a Father-Son for a scholarship
to Christ in the Smokies
Learn how to apply for the scholarship and get the application form:
Recipients of Taylor’s Legacy Scholarship
Brandon Smith & Shannon Stanley
Brandon described camp as “Freedom!” He shares how camp “helped me unpack my own pain, but it also helped me build new memories that were miracles.” Shannon was struck by the “power of brotherhood and manhood.”
Isidro Alba & Christopher Sharp
Isidro and Chris attended CITS as a mentor/friend duo. Isidro had already been in Chris’ life when he lost his dad at 14, so this was a special time for them in their relationship. Isidro said, “I was making sure that he had the same experience the other young men had and wasn’t robbed of having a true breakout as a man and that experience that he’s entitled to.” Chris appreciated the intentionality of time to be open with no barriers and to share in hard conversations that continue growing who he is becoming as a man.
Matt & Grayson McKinney
Vulnerability is a common thing heard over and over by fathers and sons who attend CITS. Matt and Grayson have always had a strong bond, but mentioned that the opportunity to have this one-on-one time was overdue and impactful. They refined and opened lines of communication, letting their guards down without the distraction of everyday life. Grayson said he and his dad had some good times set aside to talk, and “I’m very grateful for that.”
Taylor’s Blog
Fathers and sons… from a wife and mom’s perspective
Being a mom to three sons is a constant adventure. Those guys bring me joy and teach me lessons beyond my greatest expectations. I’ve overcome my fear of bugs, embraced the virtue of connecting over Pokémon and Breaking Bad, and watched in awe as they grow into unique individuals with gifts and qualities beyond my reach.
Continue Reading Fathers and sons… from a wife and mom’s perspective
