William Southerland

William J. Southerland, 84, died on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at RTA Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Payson. Private graveside services will be held.
   He was born on March 12, 1924, in Little Rock, Ark., to Ben and Clara Southerland.
   Mr. Southerland graduated from Holbrook High School, and served his country during World War II in the Air Force. After returning from the war, he worked the majority of his career for the U.S. Postal Serv-ice. He was also a longtime member of the Holbrook Fire Department.
   William and his family spent many summer vacations at Kino Bay, Mexico, as well as making an ex-tensive trip to the Baja Peninsula and Alaska.
   After his retirement he and his wife, Verniece, moved to Tonto Basin, where he enjoyed the peace and tranquility of rural life. He enjoyed feeding and watching the wildlife, and riding his ATV on the many trails in the area.
   Survivors include his daughter, Deniece Stephens; his son-in-law, Richard Stephens; and one grand-daughter, Melanie Stephens.
   He was preceded in death by his wife, Verniece; his son, William J. “Billy” Southerland; and his mother, Clara Southerland.
   Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook was in charge of the arrangements.