William Carter Southerland, 75 of Bartow and Plant City passed away November 30, 2019.
Born in Ray City, Georgia, he was the son of the late Roy Jackson and Gussie Brantley Southerland.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Southerland.
His survivors include his wife of 15 years, Shirley Wheeler Southerland; daughter, Mary Beth Myers (Brian Thompson); step-daughters, Angela Lott Sirianni, Kayla Lott Gilkey; siblings, Mary Ann Stalvey (Bobby), Roy “Stopper” Southerland (Teresa), Buddy Southerland (Sue), Delane Southerland (Barbara); granddaughters, Macie and Cloee Myers; 9 step-grandchildren.
William was a 1962 graduate of Lakeland High School, a member of Springhead Baptist Church, and a six-year veteran of the Florida National Guard. He retired from WR Grace & Company as a maintenance superintendent in the mining industry after working over 25 years, and also was the proud owner of Pebbledale Enterprises, Inc. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, racing cars, admiring collectible cars and junk. He frequently quoted the English proverb, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” He also enjoyed raising cattle and farming his acreage, lovingly known as “The Ranch”. He worked most of his life, but always remembered a quote from Paul Harvey, “It was only work if you had rather be doing something else.”
The family will receive friends from 10-11am, Friday, December 6, 2019, Springhead Baptist Church, 3106 S Wiggins Rd, Plant City, with a memorial service to follow at 11am. He will be interred in Springhead Cemetery.
*To honor William, the family is requesting you to dress casual and wear jeans and/or denim attire. Additionally, since William was a lover of trinkets, oddities and junk, the family invites you to bring a small item to place in the casket with him (a good memory) if you wish to do so.
Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
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