Royal Edgar Southerland Sr., 87, of East Flat Rock passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 13, 2025 after an extended illness.
He was the son of the late John Elbert and Eula Esther Hux Southerland. He was preceded in death by his first wife Judy Laughterty Southerland, five daughters; Katie Southerland, Molly Southerland, Tamera O’Steen, and Paula Southerland, one stepdaughter; Rebecca McMahan, son in law; David Eldridge and one great grandson Zachary O’Steen.
Royal was known as the candy man! He was loved and respected by all, he made friend easily. Royal loved the Lord and was saved at the age of 15. He grew up being a farmer and later on he worked at Stokley’s, Southern Cast Stone, Cas Walker Stores, IGA stores, Fast Fare, Pantry, Shermans, Triangle, Norm’s Mini Mart and G.E. for 17 years, before retiring at the age of 69. He loved all the friends he made at these places. Royal loved to fish, read his bible and above all, he trusted in the Lord. Becky and Royal picked apples together and worked most places together as well as at home. He will be missed by his family and all that knew him.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 43 plus years; Rebecca Ann Lemons Southerland, two sons; Royal E. Southerland Jr. and Matthew Sean Southerland (Tina), one daughter; LeaAnne Claggett (Ben). One step-son; John Kiestler (Cassie) and one step-daughter Tammy Eldridge. Thirteen grandchildren; Royal Southerland III, Kristen Gilmore (Justin), Andrew Claggett, Dylan Claggett, Amanda Southerland, Macie Hoidn (Joshua), Mannie Welsh, Megan Southerland, Casandra Southerland, Brittany O’Steen, Scott O’Steen Jr., Elizabeth Gordner, and Carly Shipman. Three step grandchildren; Amanda Sellars, Ashley White and Megan Kiestler, four adopted grandchildren Cora, Kayla, Jasper and Elijah Eldridge. Seven great grandchildren; Temperance and Aurora Vaivai, Skylee and Ashtin Blevins, Octavia O’Steen, Colt Shipman, Lainey Gordner. Three step great grandchildren; Journee Hickle, Toryn White and Liam Walker. One sister; Retha S. Gervin, two brothers; Raymond (Dean) Southerland and Robert (Wanda) Southerland, one special friend; Jerry Corn and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends and neighbors.
A funeral service will be held, Sunday February 23, 2025 at Mount Olivet Baptist Church at 2:30 in the afternoon with the Reverend Stephen Newman and Reverend Larry Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Condolences may be sent to the Southerland family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.