Earl D. Cleland, of Columbia, Mississippi, passed from this life into God's presence on Monday, January 8, 2004 at the age of 85. He was born in Sand Rock, AL to James and Kizzie Cleland. Earl worked for Civil Service and came to Marion County over fifty years ago as a government inspector at Pioneer Recovery. After retiring from Civil Service, he opened and operated Earl Taxidermy for many years where he earned numerous awards for his work. Earl's other passion was archery. He was an active member of the Little River Archery Club and worked at Waldo's Sports Center tuning bows.
Earl Cleland had a standout high school career in the sport of basketball under the direction of Coach
Paul Johnson in the late 1950'3. Because of Earl's accomplishments at Sand Rock High School, he
received an athletic scholarship to Jacksonville State College. In 1957 he began playing on the varsity
basketball team as a freshman. Earl led Jacksonville State College in scoring in 1959 and 1960. He was
also the leader in rebounds and field goal percentage for Jacksonville State in 1960. During his senior year
at college, Earl was awarded the Coach J.W. Stephenson Most Valuable Player Award.
He coached youth basketball at Columbia Academy and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and water skiing.
Earl was a man of deep faith and served his Lord through his longtime membership with Chapel of the Cross where he taught Sunday School.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, Alverine Gann, Faye Lawson, Vida Mae Copeland, Jimmie Sue Beck, Syble Fant, and Hilma Rose; a brother, Erskine Cleland; a son, Waldo Cleland; and his beloved wife, Sue Cleland. Earl is survived by a son, Eddie Cleland; three grandchildren, Evan Cleland (Raye Lynn), Eyston Cleland, and Wiley Cleland (Jordan); and three great-grandchildren, Kopeland Cleland, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Cleland, and Sarah Cleland.
The funeral service, officiated by Doctor David Young and Reverend Reed Houston, will be at the graveside on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 2:00pm.
