Bobby Southerland

Bobby G. Bob Southerland, 78, of Temple died Thursday, April 21, 2011 in a local hospital. He was born December 24, 1932 near Pendleton to Reuben Hugh and Annie Laura Bradshaw Southerland. He was a descendant of pioneer Bell County families. He attended Pendleton Elementary School, Troy High School and Temple Junior College.
Bob married Margaret Louise Baird, December 8, 1956 at the First Baptist Church in Heidenheimer.
Bob was a U S Army veteran, serving from March 1953 to March 1955. While in the Army he attended Intelligence Analyst School and Chemical Biological and Radiological Warfare School. He was the Battalion Intelligence NCO and was one of the first antiaircraft units to change from antiaircraft guns to surface to air missiles. He was a member of the American Legion.
Bob was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Temple and helped establish a bus ministry. He served as Sunday School superintendant at First Baptist Church of Rogers. In his younger years he was an enthusiastic player in the Temple Church softball league.
He retired from Triumph Seed Company in December 1997 where he received numerous commendations.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dan Southerland.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Margaret daughter, Melissa Harper of Temple son, David Southerland and his wife, Aletta of Temple and son, Arthur Gregory of Pflugerville. He is also survived by sisters, Joy Golightly of Grapevine and Patricia Pomykal of Troy, and brother, Don Southerland of Troy. Six grandchildren: Joshua Harper, Sarah Southerland and Michael Southerland of Temple, Cass Harper and wife, Rachel of Monterey, Calif, Charles Wilcox of BryanCollege Station and Zoe Gregory of Pflugerville. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob dearly loved his family.
Pallbearers will be: Joshua Harper, Michael Southerland, Tommy Cox, Cass Harper, Charles Wilson and Don Southerland.
Visitation will be 57 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2011 at HarperTalasek Funeral Home in Temple with Dr. Martin Knox officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Moffat Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Temple Greater Things Campaign.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Friday, April 22, 2011
57 p.m.

Service

Chapel Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Saturday, April 23, 2011
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Moffat Cemetery
HWY 36
Moffat, TX  76502

Memorial Contributions

First Baptist Church of Temple
Temple, TX  76501