John Alton Southerland

Posted on August 28, 2019

Mr. John Alton Southerland, 86, of Douglasville, Ga., and Steinhatchee, Fla., passed away Saturday, August 24, 2019. He was born in Cleburne County, Ala., on January 30, 1933, the son of the late Columbus Cicero Southerland and the late Ella Mae Warren Southerland. He graduated from Dallas High School and soon after joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1953, John married his soulmate, Ivalee Marie Hunter. John worked for Bellsouth as a cable repairman for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Steinhatchee.   

John was known to be a terrific husband and a genuine, pleasant, humble and kind person who was always smiling and enjoying life. He loved many things outdoors: fishing, sports, coaching kids, college football and the Atlanta Braves, whose games he rarely missed. John will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ivalee Marie Hunter Southerland; his son, Tony Alton Southerland; his granddaughter, Christy Broyles; and his brother, Robert Southerland.

John is survived by his daughters: Carol Petrie of Douglasville, Ga., and Patty Southerland of Steinhatchee; grandchildren and their spouses: David and Nicci Schmidt, Michelle Southerland, Mark and Crystal Southerland, and Clint and Michelle Hood; great grandchildren and spouse: Jessica and Nathan Howard, Jonathan Broyles, Justin Broyles, Callee Schmidt, Jaxxon Schmidt, Novalee Southland, Cami Layfield, and Hendrix Hood; one great great-granddaughter, Raegan Howard; sister: Nora Freeman of Piedmont, Ala.; nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Hightower’s Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Hightower’s Memorial Chapel with Reverend Arthur Southerland and Reverend Frankie Southerland officiating. 

Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens with Reverend Moses Florence officiating. Military Funeral Honors provided by the United States Navy. Pallbearers will be David Schmidt, Clint Hood, Mark Southerland, Jonathan Broyles, Justin Broyles and Nathan Howard.

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.hightowersmemorial.com

Hightower’s Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements. (770) 489-2818