Melford Thornley Cleveland

Melford Thornley Cleveland, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melford Goldsmith Cleveland and Elsie Schoolar Cleveland Rountree. He is survived by his wife, Linda Cato Cleveland. He was born in Florala, Alabama but moved to Randolph (Bibb County), Alabama at an early age. He was a graduate of Bibb County High School and the University of Alabama. He was an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity where he developed lifelong friendships. His business career was spent at Protective Life Insurance Company where he worked 38 years before retirement. He was an avid supporter of the Crimson Tide football team and was one of the first season ticket holders. He was an astute investor in the stock market and made this his hobby in his retirement years. He had a love of European Art and spent much time studying artists of the 17th-19th century. He and his wife Linda enjoyed traveling the world learning about other cultures, places and new cuisines and were able to visit all 7 continents. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 26, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Elmwood Chapel with internment at Elmwood Cemetery following the funeral. Visitation will be at the Chapel from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, the Birmingham Museum or Art, the Commerce School at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa or The Salvation Army. Special thanks go to Dr. Joseph Welden, Jr. and the staff at Southview Medical Group for their care these many years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Cleveland family.