Blake Strickland, former TVFCU president, dies at 62

Blake Strickland
Blake Strickland
photo Blake Strickland

William Blake Strickland, the former president of Chattanooga's biggest credit union who retired last year, died Sunday at his home in Fort Oglethorpe.

Strickland, 62, served in a variety of jobs for 38 years at the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union and was the credit union's CEO and president for 16 years.

Strickland was also involved in numerous community groups and boards, including the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, UTC Business School, March of Dimes, Boy Scouts of America and the Rotary of Chattanooga. He served as president with the UGA Alumni Club and president of the local Chattanooga/NWG Bulldog Club.

David Longmire, chairman of the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union board, said Strickland "had a larger than life personality - he loved life, he enjoyed people."

"Everyone mattered, and he was intentional in letting people know how special they were," Longmire said today. "He played an integral role in helping Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union realize the success it has achieved. Blake will be greatly missed both professionally and personally."

Strickland retired last year from the credit union and was succeeded by Todd Fortner, who praised Strickland today for helping grow TVFCU into one of Tennessee's biggest credit unions with more than $1.1 billion in assets.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Blake Strickland's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Strickland family during this difficult time." Fortner said. "Blake was passionate about TVFCU's employees and members, and the credit union industry. We are tremendously proud of his legacy and continue to work hard to live up to the excellent service standards he set for our organization."

Strickland is survived by his wife of 41 years, Laneese Strickland; daughters, Amanda (Joey) Strickland Costa of Athens, GA and Leanne Strickland of Chickamauga; two grandsons, Noah and Tate Costa; brothers, Trent Strickland of Rossville; mother-in-law, Willodean Moore; sister and brother-in-law, Tom and Kathy Rainey of Rossville; nephews, Garrett and Jacob Rainey and several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home chapel with Dr. John Wyatt and Reverend Jeffrey Bush officiating. Interment will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences, view memorial tribute and funeral webcast.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, c/o Rotary Field for sports facilities for special needs children, 1270 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, and 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.

Upcoming Events