Gauge Strickland

Sylvania, GA

Hugh Gauge “Built Gauge Tough” Strickland, age 16, of Sylvania passed away Friday, February 28, 2020. He was born in Statesboro and was a lifelong resident of Screven County. Gauge attended Screven County schools and was passionate about drag racing and especially Ford Mustangs. Before his health declined, he enjoyed riding his bike, dancing and playing baseball and basketball. He acquired the nickname “Built Gauge Tough” for his love of Fords and because he fought M.P.S. Type II Iike a true hero. Gauge was an honorary graduate of Screven County High School and loved spending time with his family.

Gauge was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ronnie Brannen; an aunt, Shade Brannen; and step-grandfather, Jimmy Kitchens.

Surviving are his parents, Hugh and Necole Strickland; grandparents, Sanford Strickland, Sarah Hollingsworth Kitchens, and Junior and Michelle Ellrod; aunts and uncles, Shawn and Sara Brannen, Rachael Brannen, all of Sylvania, William and Kimberly Strickland of Statesboro, Patricia and Chris Langley of Virginia, and Kim Strickland of Statesboro; cousins, Robbie, Hailey, Harley, David, Logan, Jaxson, Nyckada, Cody, Jessie, Ashley and Victoria; and special aunts and uncles, and cousins, Marion and Hans VanRyswyk and family and Chris and Stephen Smith and family.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Deal Funeral Directors with Rev. Thomas Hendrix officiating.

Pallbearers will be Junior Ellrod, David Owens, Logan Hice, Jesse Jones, Cody Jones, Nathaniel VanRyswyk, Hans VanRyswyk, L.J. Gregory and J.R. Gregory.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 2, 2020 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Deal Funeral Directors.

The family requests that a balloon be brought to be released following the service.

Memorials may be made in Gauge’s honor to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or ProjectAlive.org.