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 Scholarships
Taylor’s family and friends recognize young men who go over and above exemplifying the character traits that they feel made the biggest impact on Taylor’s life: namely faith, leadership, service to others and a love of the outdoors. Christ in the Smokies (CITS) and Boy Scout High Adventure Camps are two experiences that helped shape who he was.
Recipients of Taylor’s Legacy Scholarship
Alan and Simon DeVries
Simon is an exceptional young man who spent several weeks last year, in Africa, ministering to teenagers on the street. He is a leader in his community and within his family. With a love of the outdoors and family, Christ in the Rockies was a perfect fit for Simon and his dad to steal some time away together. Alan spoke words of affirmation over Simon by claiming “You are my third son, but you are first chosen by Jesus.” And he rejoiced that “God chose and trusted me to be your father.”
Barry and Stephen Peppers
Stephen is the oldest of Barry’s three sons and desired to share in Christ in the Smokies as a mile marker with him as he graduated high school. Stephen serves in his local church in video production, and Barry is a Pastor. Barry and Stephen have developed healthy communication throughout the years and regularly ask each other for forgiveness, agreeing that “we are pretty solid”.
Boy Scouts John Dorman Duty to God Award
Since 2008, Eagle Scout, John Dorman has been honored annually through the Boy Scouts by recognizing Eagle Scouts that have exemplified the character traits that John felt made the biggest impact on his life; namely Duty to God, Leadership and Service to others. One scout out of all who are nominated each year is presented with the coveted title, a specially engraved knife, and all who qualify receive a special leadership bible. With Taylor being the first recipient of this award in 2008, the TSLF was honored to sponsor the meal and attend the event this year.
Taylor’s Blog
A Surprise Invitation, Pancakes, a “Bigger Than Life” Man, and a Cool Knife
by Toni Strickland The first time we heard the name John Dorman, it was when we were invited to a pancake breakfast. Taylor was 14 years old and had been nominated through his Boy Scout troop to receive the “Eagle Scout—John Dorman Duty-to-God Award.” It was 2008, and the first year this award was being given.…
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