TULSA, Okla. — In Tulsa’s local food community, the name Earl Stripling carries quiet weight. He wasn’t a headline-seeker or a public figure chasing recognition, but his influence runs deep through backyard gardens, local farms and the people he mentored one conversation at a time.
Stripling, a Certified Master Gardener, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy rooted in generosity, knowledge and community care. In the days following his death, local business owner Lukas Vodicka of Inheritance Juicery stepped forward to help support Stripling’s family and honor the impact he made across Tulsa.
“Inheritance is a local business,” said Vodicka. “We do cold-pressed juices, smoothies and have a full kitchen focused on healthy, organic food. A lot of what we do is rooted in local sourcing and that’s where Earl comes in.”
Though Vodicka only met Stripling a handful of times, he says the gardener’s influence was unmistakable.
“I watched him work in the community. I heard people constantly talk about him. People would bring us produce and say, ‘Earl taught me how to grow this.’ Programs like FreshRX, Earl was there at the beginning, helping founders think through how to make it work. His fingerprints were everywhere,” said Vodicka.
Vodicka describes Stripling as an “invisible legend,” someone whose contributions were vital but often unseen.
“He was like a studio musician,” said Vodicka. “The one who knows exactly what the song needs to become a hit, but when the Grammys come around, he’s already moved on to the next project. That was Earl.”
Stripling worked largely out of his own backyard, which visitors describe as far more than a simple garden.
“It was a tropical jungle,” said Vodicka. “Greenhouses, irrigation systems, sensors, meters, he was an engineer as much as a gardener. You’d see him push a button and water would start spraying in different zones. It was incredible.”
Stripling welcomed anyone who wanted to learn. Neighbors, aspiring gardeners and professional farmers alike came through his home, where he spent hours teaching, sharing food and offering guidance, never asking for anything in return.
“He would make you tea, walk you through the garden and teach you everything he knew,” said Vodicka. “He was generous with his time, his energy and his knowledge.”
Before his passing, Stripling had been collaborating with Inheritance Juicery on plans to build a garden of their own.
“We were dreaming together,” said Vodicka. “Talking about what it could look like, how we could grow some of our own food. He was so willing, so excited to collaborate.”
When Stripling’s wife called Vodicka with the news of his passing, he says he immediately felt compelled to act.
“We have a platform,” said Vodicka. “We’re connected to the food community. Community works both ways and I knew I needed to step up.”
With the blessing of Stripling’s family, Vodicka launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and support the family. He framed it poetically as “Earl’s last harvest,” the community coming together to give back to someone who gave so much.
Inheritance Juicery also created a special juice blend, “Earl’s Harvest,” with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to the family.
“It’s another way for people to contribute,” said Vodicka. “Even those who may not have known Earl personally.”
Stripling was especially passionate about addressing food insecurity in north Tulsa, an area often described as a food desert.
“He was determined to show people that you can grow healthy, organic food for not much money. You just need knowledge and a little discipline and he found ways to make it accessible, so people wouldn’t give up,” said Vodicka.
That approach worked. Gardens began appearing across the neighborhood, started by people Stripling taught himself.
“That ripple effect, on health, on access to good food, it’s real,” said Vodicka.
As for the future, Vodicka hopes Stripling’s garden will be preserved and that his legacy will continue in tangible ways.
“If Inheritance builds its own garden one day. I could absolutely see Earl’s name being part of it. That would be wonderful,” said Vodicka.
Vodicka encourages anyone who can to donate or share the fundraiser.
“Earl gave so much to this community,” he said. “He wasn’t loud about it, but the impact will last a long time. In times like these, this is what we should do, come together locally and take care of one another.”
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe established for Earl Stripling’s family here.
Supporters can also contribute by purchasing the “Earl’s Harvest” juice at Inheritance Juicery, with all proceeds benefiting his loved ones.
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