Daniel "Dan" Michael Strickland, MD

Daniel "Dan" Michael Strickland, 82, of Ashe County passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2026 at his home in Kernersville with his wife and daughter by his side. Born on September 19, 1944 in San Francisco, California, he was the son of the late Dan Strickland and Doris Wyant (Schaffner) and husband to Karen Strickland (Massie). He left behind a remarkable legacy of intellectual curiosity, professional accomplishment, and a lifetime devoted to learning, creating, and sharing his knowledge with others.

Dan was a nuclear engineer, physician, published writer, inventor, and pioneering winemaker. He was a force of nature and began making an impact on this world while in high school. As a teen, he was often featured in the local newspaper for winning multiple awards in science and innovation. He graduated valedictorian of South Hall High School in Gainesville, GA in 1962 and joined the USAF via ROTC. He went on to obtain his master's degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

As a nuclear engineer Dan worked on projects at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico and, with other physicists, developed a laser trigger switch that was patented. Dan was never one to rest on his laurels. In 1973, he chose to go back to school and become a physician while his wife worked as a nurse and they cared for their three children under the age of 5. He obtained his MD from the Medical College of Georgia in 1976, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. He then completed his Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX in 1983.

After spending 23 years in the Air Force and retiring as a Colonel in 1989, he worked in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as a physician, just in time for the Gulf War to break out, while his wife carried out duties as an officer in the Navy Reserves. In 1995, Dan retired a second time to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, which became his true home. In Lansing and Ashe County, he found great joy in working on his farm, planting a vineyard, opening his first of two clinics and spending time with Karen, his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 60 years. The locals knew him well and he was often referred to as Dr. Dan. Everyone who met him loved him. He treated everyone, even strangers, like a friend, and he was always the life of the party.

In his medical career he practiced obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and hormone replacement therapy. He was deeply passionate about women's health and dedicated to providing care in medically underserved areas. In 2014, at age 70, he delivered his last baby and began doing addiction medicine via Medication-Assisted Treatment. He found a passion in addiction medicine and was still taking care of patients two months before he passed away. He spent his life always pursuing new interests and sharing what he loved with others. He loved research and writing which led him to authoring or co-authoring 73 published research articles over his career, covering nuclear engineering as well as medicine. His works can be found at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel-Strickland-2.

His commitment extended beyond those he treated, to the healthcare professionals with whom he worked. A staunch advocate for nurses, he held tremendous respect for the nursing profession. Working with and mentoring nurse practitioners was an important part of his career. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience in all regards.

He was an avid chemist and his love of winemaking led him to establish the first licensed winery in Ashe County, New River Winery. As the found and publisher of Small Winery Magazine, he sought to share his passion and so personally published, printed, and mailed monthly issues to subscribers.

Dan was passionate about music and played an integral part in launching the Ola Belle Reed Bluegrass Festival in the early 2000s. He and Karen loved attending many musical festivals and concerts throughout their years together, as well as traveling the world, and enjoying RV life in their retirement. He loved to romance Karen, playing one of his many guitars and singing to her.

Yet, amid his many professional achievements and personal pursuits, nothing meant more to Dan than his family. He was immensely proud of his wife and children and took tremendous joy in watching them achieve their goals. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Strickland, and beloved daughter, Michelle.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Karen, who was truly his soulmate and partner in all the adventures they shared. He is also survived by his son, Daniel Strickland Jr., and his daughters, Leslie Strickland and Bevin Strickland. He also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Brenna Mayo, Samuel Talamantes, Aaron Talamantes, Ronin Nobles, and Porter Nobles; and great-grandson, Liam Thorman. He's also survived by his sisters, Debbie Lyter and Dianne Smith.

Daniel's life was one of remarkable achievement and deep devotion to the people and pursuits he loved. He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his professional accomplishments—a legacy of knowledge freely shared, lives touched through his work, and a family that was his greatest source of pride and joy.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his generous spirit, his many passions, and, above all, the love he had for his family.

Per Dan's wishes, there will be no service and he only wished for others to remember him fondly.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The ALS Association to support finding a cure for this devastating disease. https://www.als.org