A graveside funeral service with military honors for Tommy Ray Southerland, age 66, of May, will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 15, 2013 in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.
Mr. Southerland passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his home.
Tommy Ray Southerland was born in Nyssa, Oregon to Ransom and Polly (McClure) Southerland. He served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as an aviator. While in the military, Tommy received a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Army Commendation Medal and an Air Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Captain.
He married Ann Carmichael on November 19, 1970 in Brownwood.
After his military career, Tommy went to work for Walker Steel Fabrication in Fort Worth, where he was the Chief Operating Officer. In 1989, Tommy and Ann moved to May where they farmed and ranched. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church.
Tommy is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Ann Southerland of May; a son, Tommy Southerland, II of Boise, Idaho, daughter, Tonya Neutze of Livermore, California, four grandchildren, Luca, Trevor Ray, Tommy Ray III, and Sarah Ann; three great-grandchildren, Tommy Ray IV, Zoey, and Sabrina; special friend, Jessica Henson and special adopted grandson, Payton; two sisters, Connie Ward of Boise Idaho and Nancy Holmes of Oklahoma; and a brother, Billy Southerland of Eagle, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Ransom Southerland.
The family requests memorials be made to Central United Methodist Church or to a favorite charity.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
