Peyton Strickland memorialized at CFCC

WILMINGTON — A memorial to remember Peyton Strickland is being set up at Cape Fear Community College’s welding department.

A plaque will be revealed memorializing Strickland through a scholarship program set up in his name.

Strickland was killed in December by a sheriff’s deputy trying to serve a search warrant.

Thursday friends and family members are gathering at the college’s north campus to remember Strickland and his love for welding.

Those who knew Strickland say he was a genius with his hands and could build practically anything from nothing.

Welding instructor Rick West said, “I saw a picture of the bike he made himself and it’s pretty impressive.”

Childhood friend Brian Love said, “I just think it’s going to be a good opportunity for the way Peyton really was to come out with this donation to Cape Fear.”

So far the scholarship has raised about $60,000. Once the endowment reaches $100,000 there will be enough money to pay tuition for one full time and two part time welding students.

Many of Peyton’s friends are remembering him through T-shirts they made. They are also wearing bracelets with Peyton’s name and nickname on them.