Obituary of James Leon Southerland

 

James Leon Southerland age 77, affectionately known as Pop-Pop to his loved ones, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday December 26, 2022, surrounded by family. James was born on May 30, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late William Holt and the late Beatrice Southerland.

 

James served in the Airforce for 4 years. Upon leaving the service he took a position as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Philadelphia for over 40 years. After years of hard work, he and his late wife Ellene retired and fell in love with the city of Aiken. They lived a life full of travel, especially on their favorite cruise line Celebrity, and making good friends in the community.

 

James had a love and the great talent of playing pool. He even converted his upstairs loft area in his home into a pool hall and enjoyed having friends over to play. He also dressed the part of a true southern gentleman. He loved his suits, hats, bow-ties, fancy shoes and also had a large collection of colognes. He prided himself in always smelling good and looking sharp. He loved good food and enjoyed top-of-the-line cocktails. And when he wasn’t enjoying them first hand, he was always talking about them. He also was a great appreciator of cars. He knew them so well that he could identify a passing car or truck and tell you exactly what it was based on the sound. When he wasn’t traveling with his wife, Ellene, he derived great joy in spoiling his grandchildren. He taught them great life lessons that they will always treasure in their hearts.

 

James leaves behind a step-daughter Donyelle Taylor, son-in-law Scott Taylor, brother-in-law Kenneth Charles Wise, sister-in-law Angela Wise. James was preceded in death by his wife Ellene Southerland. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Robert Harold Wise who leaves behind his sister-in-law Dee Peterson Wise. James also leaves behind his grandchildren, Alexandra, Jeremy & Amelia, as well as his nephew Robert Wise Jr. and 2 nieces Stephanie Myers & Kimberly Wright.

 

In Lieu of flowers donations can be graciously made to The American Cancer Society and/or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

 

Thank you to the community of Woodside and all of the friends he has made throughout his 15 years here in Aiken. And a heartfelt thanks to the kind & compassionate doctors, nurses & Pruitt Hospice care givers, along with the care givers with Right At Home and Comfort Keepers who helped guide him through his cancer battle and made his transition peaceful.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com