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William Southerland Obituary

SOUTHERLAND, WILLIAM, A memorial service celebrating the life of William Southerland will be held on Fri., Nov. 7, 2003 at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 E. Livingston St., Orlando. Bill went home to be with his Lord on November 2, 2003. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born at Orange Memorial Hospital on October 14, 1949 to Dorothy and Ernest Southerland, and lived his entire life in Orlando. He graduated from Maynard Evans High School and Valencia Community College and attended Florida Technological University (UCF). He was a member of Alpha Phi Epsilon fraternity and a Florida Gator fan. Like his father, Bill made his career in the printing industry. In 1968 he went to work as an assistant to Harry Timmons, President of the Orlando Sentinel Star, and in 1972 began as a sales rep for their business forms company, Florida Forms. From 1976 to 1990 he owned and operated Winter Park Printers. In 1990 he and his wife opened Horizon Color Graphics where they remained until illness forced his retirement in 2001. Many friendships born in those years remain strong today. Bill was a loving son, husband and devoted father. During his children's early years, he coached them in little league and basketball, but his passion was fishing for reds on the grass flats of the Homossassa River in his boat, the Two Bills II. It was the favorite family hobby. The time spent with family and friends at McCrae's will always be treasured memories. His love of fishing, nature, wildlife and ecology will live on through his children. In addition to his parents, Bill is survived by Marsha, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 34 years; son William II and fiancee Meghan Kelly; daughter Elizabeth Ann-Elaine; and brother Donald (Susan) Southerland. During his long illness, Bill and his family were greatly blessed and lovingly cared for by their treasured circle of friends. No words could ever express how much it meant to him. In lieu of flowers Bill and his family request donations in his name to the American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345 or Hospice Vitas (407) 875-0028. CAREY HAND GARDEN CHAPEL, FUNERAL HOME 407-898-7881.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Nov. 4, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for William Southerland

15 Entries

Bob Bethea

October 29, 2019

Bill, rest In Peace dear friend! To Marsha, Annie, and Bill, hope all is well with you guys! You are never far from my thoughts and prayers! Let me know how you are? Love you all!
Bob

Shirlee Alfors

November 8, 2003

Marsha,

Sympathy and thoughts are with you and your family. I have moved but still speak to Karen. GFWC members are friends forever. Take Care. ShirLee

Vince Gabel

November 7, 2003

Marsha,

On behalf of the Gabel family, I would like to share our deepest condolences with You, Billy, Annie and the remainder of your family. Although health issues of my own prohibited me from attending the services today, I still felt compelled to share my thoughts. I learned of Bill’s challenges from Rich Rodick sometime ago and learned of his passing from Carole the other day she now lives in Virginia amazing how word travels. My regret is that I had not seen nor spoken to Bill for some time.

You have much to be happy about and reflect upon! The two of you had strength, courage, and love, which endured for 34 years. This is something for you to cherish and others to admire!

Knowing Bill as I did, with his “Smiling Eyes” he’d say “See Ya” and expect life to go on.

JOHN SCOTT

November 6, 2003

I STRIVE TO BE THE GOOD, STRONG AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON MY SON, THAT "BIG BILL" WAS ON HIS. HIS COURAGE THROUGHOUT THIS BATTLE,HAS INSPIRED ME, AS DID THE COURAGE SHOWN BY HIS FAMILY. THANK GOD FOR A LOVING AND CARING FAMILY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JOHN, JILL & EVAN.

Debbie Travis

November 6, 2003

Marsha, Karen and Nancy sent emailed me the imformation about Bill. It has been years since we were in Juniors. Your children were very young. When there were events, I remember Bill bringing them with him and keeping them occupied when we meet at your house. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Natalie Walters

November 5, 2003

Billy, Ann, & Mrs. Southerland,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Although we have not spoke in a while, your family has been in my thoughts. I have some great memories with you all, especially when your dad had Jason and I over for dinner..."the best Mahi ever!" I am very greatful to have known your father, he's a great man!! My prayers are with you all! At least we know that he's in a great place where he feels no pain......and he's with great company!!!!!!!!!!

I love & miss you,

Nat

Eric Barley

November 5, 2003

Billy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. Your Dad was a great father, he was great admirer. And most of all a great fighter. I look forward to the day when we play golf again with him, but next time on God's course. May God be with the Southerland family....Eric

Phil Tormanen

November 5, 2003

Marsha and Family,

I have admired your strength and focus on God's grace throughout the past several years. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging me when I visited last week. You are on my heart and I am praying for you regularly. We love you all. Let us know if we can help with anything. Phil, Ann and the kids

Alice Hebert Weinberg

November 5, 2003

Dear Marsha and Family,

I am so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Though I had not seen him in a number of years I always remembered him fondly and especially for his "smiling eyes" and beautiful personality. The words written about Bill say alot for how he lived his life - you must be so proud to have been a part of his life. My heartfelt condolences.

Robert L. (Bob) Bethea

November 5, 2003

Marsha, I'm so sorry about Bill. I haven't kept in touch as I should have, and I deeply regret not doing so. Bill, was a friend from the first day we met. I could always count on Bill. Through thick and thin he was always there for his family and friends. I will miss my friend and buddy. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.Your loving friend, Bob Bethea

P.S. I will see you and the family at the celebration.

Andrea Hillyer Dennison

November 5, 2003

Marsha,

Your marriage was an inspiration to all who knew you and Bill. I know you will feel his love for you everyday. God hold you in your time of sorrow.

Don Ingram

November 4, 2003

Marsha I'm so sorry. I heard from Donnie and all those memories we shared overwhelmed me. I hope you can forgive me. I should have been there. He'll always be in my heart.

John Peck

November 4, 2003

Condolences and best wishes.

John,

Evans '67

KRISTINE BELIVEAU-BROWN

November 4, 2003

BILLY, I HEARD OF THE NEWS THROUGH NATALIE & ERIC AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW THIS MUST BE THE HARDEST THING YOU'VE EVER HAD TO GO THROUGH. I HOPE YOU TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN YOUR FATHER WAS AND WHAT A GREAT LIFE HE LIVED. I'LL THINK OF YOU OFTEN OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.

WITH LOVE & PRAYERS,

KRISTINE

michelle capello

November 4, 2003

I am very sad to hear of your loss, he was a wonderful man and a very beloved father.He will be missed greatly, and Keep in your hearts and in your mind how many prayers will be going out to your wonderful family in this time of need.Our prayers and blessings are with you. Michelle Capello & Family

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