The Passing of Stan Strickland, “The Candy Man”


Stan Strickland of Savannah's Candy Kitchen

Savannah’s Waterfront is mourning the loss of Stan Strickland, a fixture on River Street for over 40 years. The Strickland family currently operates River Street Sweets and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Stan’s loss leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His contributions to Savannah’s Waterfront are numerous, and his River Street family will always remember his laughter, kindness, and friendship.

Obituary:
Born March 29, 1944 to Otis and Emily Wright Strickland in Woodbine, Georgia, Stan grew up in the family grocery business and developed an incredible and caring work ethic that defined his successful business life as founder of River Street Sweets with his children, Tim and Jennifer, and later, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen with his loving wife, Tonya Strickland, and their son Rhett. Together they built a Southern Candy empire that has spread throughout the country, with millions of customers nationally and worldwide. His love and compassion for his family and employees knew no bounds! He was known and loved as a powerful mentor with a tireless energy devoted to their success in business and in life!

His passion and zeal for work was exceeded only by his love for family and every Marlin in the ocean!! Recently honored by the Savannah Sport Fishing Club, and rumored to be a frequent fishing companion of Ernest Hemingway, Stan was perhaps the most avid fisherman on the planet!!!

With a boundless competitive spirit, he teased and tormented dozens of his family of fishing buddies with his relentless pursuit of virtually every sport fish in the ocean…. The ocean he loved so passionately! The most peaceful and spiritual moments of his life were shared with Tonya and Rhett aboard the Mojito, enjoying the wonders the ocean held, sprinkled with dazzling stars, sunsets, and moonrises.

Stan leaves us with thousands of treasured memories as the most generous and devoted, husband, father, friend and mentor with whom ANYONE could be blessed!

Loved and adored by all who knew him, Stan was predeceased by his parents Otis and Emily Strickland, and Tonya’s wonderful parents, Buddy and Emily Hollingsworth.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Tonya; children, Rhett (Kristen); Tim (Lindsey) and Jennifer (Jen). Grandchildren, Joelle, Willie, Louis and Olivia; sister, Jean Sedgwick, loving brother and sister in-law, Debbie and Darren Hollingsworth, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Special acknowledgement and love to Stan’s close and dear fishing buddy, hunting buddy, and drinking buddy, Dr. Lee Yates, who provided Stan with the most compassionate and loving care possible. Family and friends are forever grateful!

A Celebration of Stan’s Life will be held 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at his home on Penrose Drive. Services under the direction of: Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel, 912-898-0900.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ansley Williams and Dennis “TallMan” Barr as they need the cash!!

Actually, and more appropriately, to Savannah’s Waterfront for it’s beautification and improvement. Savannah’s Waterfront, P.O.Box 2173, Savannah, GA 31402 or online here.