Decatur – Lawrence Philip “Larry” Southerland, 55, of Decatur passed away from injuries sustained in an aircraft accident on Thursday December 2, 2010.
A celebration of his life will be at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2010 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Larry was born July 10, 1955 in Chicago, IL the son of Philip and Dolores (Wilkinson) Southerland. He married Joyce Lynn Stephenson on May 26, 1979. He had served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and worked for Lowe’s in the appliance department. He formerly worked for Asplundh through the IBEW Local 51, Springfield, IL. He formerly owned All Season’s Tree Service and was a certified Arborist. He was a member of HOG (Harley Owners Group) and the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). He was a PADI certified open water diver and had enjoyed diving in many of the Caribbean waters. He enjoyed woodworking, cabinetry and building his airplane. He was a jack of all trades and could accomplish anything.
Surviving is his wife: Lynn of Decatur; parents: Philip and Dolores Southerland of Monee, IL; son: Timothy Ryan Southerland and his wife Heidi Marie of Decatur; daughter: Heather Lynn Southerland-Byers and her husband SFC Brandon Heath of Clarksville, TN; sisters: Phyllis Wells and her special friend Chet Sheets of Jacksonville, FL, Donna Brewer and her husband Max of Naples, FL, and Lorrie Lynn Green and her husband Dave of Jacksonville, FL; brother: Gary Southerland of Monee, IL grandchildren: Bryn Nicole Southerland and Ariel Paige Southerland both of Decatur, Michaela Denise Byers of St. Louis, MO, and Jocey Lynn Byers of Clarksville, TN; special family friend: Kathleen “Kathy” Owens and her husband Michael of Decatur.
Larry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law: Rusty Wells.
Larry was wonderful husband, father, and Papa and he will be sadly missed.
Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home of Mt. Zion
“A Life Celebration Home”
| Todd Boothe |
Friend from the distant past |
January 7, 2011 |
Dear Lynn: My deepest sympathy to you and all of your families. I was just informed of the accident by mom, who also sends her sympathy. I was unable to get an address for a card so I will leave my condolences here. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope that one day we might get together again and reminisce some childhood memories. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need a shoulder. Always in my thoughts. Todd Boothe.
| Amanda Alfaro (Dickey) |
Childhood friend of Tim and Heather |
December 8, 2010 |
Lynn, Heather, Tim and the rest of your families,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's sudden passing. So many memories came flooding back to me. I remember my brother Cappy, Tim, Heather and I would race Larry in his blue truck on Lehman Rd when he was on his way home from work. Heather and I never won...those boys always beat us. I remember Larry cleaning out the camper for Heather and I so we could camp out in there as we did every chance we got. I remember Larry always giving Lynn little pats on the backside when he came home from work and givin her a kiss on the cheek. I remember him helping us start the go-cart for Heather and I if the boys weren't around to help us and then trying to teach us to do it ourselves..I remember him trying to be mad at Heather and I for turning the steering wheel on the boat so far, that we would be knocking stuff over in the garage..I remember running thru the weeds with Heather and getting cock-a-burs stuck in her beautiful, long blonde hair and Lynn worrying how she would explain it to Larry if she didn't get them out in time..lol! I remember so much about him. My brother and I got to see him, Heather and Tim about 5 years ago when we went up there to visit. I'm glad for that. Lynn, Heather and Tim, you were such a big part of my life growing up. It was always a safe haven at your house. I think of you all often with a smile and will be coming to see you guys when I can. I love you all and pray that with time there will be an easing of your pain and loss.
All my heart,
Amanda
| John Milliman |
Pilot / Airplane Builder |
December 8, 2010 |
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and long to return.
Leonardo da Vinci
As a pilot and builder of my own airplane I understood the passion and love Larry had for airplanes and flying. I'm sorry to say I had not personally met him, but I do know the feelings of excitement he must have had building and flying. There are only a handfull of people in this world that can say they did it. It is with deep sorrow I heard of his accident. There is a predetermined time and place we all have to look into the eyes of our prescious Lord. I pray the Lord will comfort and keep you until the day you see Larry again. Only time can ease the pain, but you will always remember the great person he was.
My very best wishes and prayers of comfort to you and your family during this time.
John
| Karen and Aaron Nelson |
Co-worker |
December 7, 2010 |
Dear Lynn and Family, We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and friend. Larry was FILLED with talents, and he never ceased to amaze us! It was so much fun to talk with him about his passion of building that plane!!! But now he belongs to the ages, and we are filled with memories of him. May those memories that the Lord lets us have sustain us in our grief in that we may rise, smile and laugh again. Put your arms around yourselves and pretend it is a hug from us!!! lovingly, Karen and Aaron
| Julie Jones |
Customer and Friend |
December 6, 2010 |
I met Larry at Lowe's. I am a single person, always needing work done on the house. Being as I live in a vintage house, problems could not always be solved in a conventional way. I ALWAYS sought Larry out for advice, knowing his solutions would be creative, economical and easy to make work. He always gave me helpful tips and encouraged me to do the work myself. I often found myself looking for him just to say "hi", and ask how his family was doing. He had shared with me when his son was in the service, and it was obvious how great the love for his family is. I am happy he was able to pursue his passions, but I will REALLY miss him, his perpetually positive attitude was a great blessing.
