James Wayne Southerland

James “Wayne” Southerland, 70, a resident of Cleveland, died Monday, July 27, 2009 in a McMinn County hospital with his children by his side. He is now at peace. He was very well liked and was a well known mechanic for many years in town. He was a “jack of all trades,” loved to tell jokes and put a smile on people’s faces. He never met a stranger. He was the son of the late Pola and Lola Southerland and was preceded in death by brother Sonny Southerland; sister Elaine Adams and his beloved son Terry Wayne Southerland. Survivors include his three children: Barry Southerland of Cleveland, Lola DeWitt and husband Eddie of Knoxville, and Lora Baker, LPN, and husband Brian of Cleveland; beloved grandchildren: Christopher Southerland of Cleveland. PFC Joshua DeWitt and wife Kayla of Pigeon Forge, Brittney Dewitt of Knoxville, Brendon and Jacob Baker of Cleveland, Brandon Southerland of Monteagle. Special grandchildren: Blake and Arden Dewitt, Dylan Dewitt all of Knoxville; sisters: Betty Denmark of Ga, Rachael Taylor of Ga, Cleo Woodring and husband Harold of MI, Eilene Freeman and husband Clyde of Freeman, GA; brother Robert Southerland of GA; special friends whom he was very fond of: Doris and Vance Bates, Carol Rapier, Evelyn Douglas, Jerry and Diane Mason all of Cleveland. Local servers at all local restaurants and Yankee Freda Green and Eva Boo Phillips Conner. A gathering of friends will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009 at Kinser Church of God. Long time friend and Pastor Gary Higgins will accompany the family to carry him where he will be laid to rest next to his parents and son at Salacoa Cemetery in Fairmont, GA. The family requests that memorials be made to Family Home Care and Hospice of Cleveland, 175 24th Street, Cleveland, TN 37311. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Southerland family guestbook at www. ralphbuckner.com