Hugh Edgar Southerland

Hugh Edgar Southerland, 83, of Lenoir, passed away on Thursday, October 21, at UNC Health Caldwell, after a brief battle with COVID. Hugh was born on November 25, 1937, in Burke County, to James Ray Southerland, Sr and Ruby Sipe Southerland. He grew up on Israel Chapel Road in Connelly Springs and attended Valdese High School and Catawba Valley Community College. He was an amazing machinist, welder, and mechanical engineer.

In addition to his parents, Hugh was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Weatherford Southerland, brother James “Bud” Southerland Jr, and brother-in-law Ben Weatherford. He is survived by his son, Todd H. Southerland of Connelly Springs, stepson Eddie Woods (Diane) of Lenoir, grandchildren Scott Woods (Heather) of Lenoir, Amanda Jenkins of Asheville, great-grandchildren Mikeal and Ryan Woods, sister Frances S. Bumgarner of Morganton, sister-in-law Thelma Bostian (Jim) of Morganton, his first wife and friend Hilda Southerland, and a number of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a good friend and coworker, Louis Swink, who he treated like a son.

Hugh was a generous and kind-hearted man who was willing to help others and considered everyone a friend. He was very adept at mechanical engineering, and at his H and L Mechanical Shop his motto was “if we can’t fix it, it’s not broke.” He was considered “the best” at working on radio frequency generators. While Hugh was quick to share his skills and knowledge with others, he will be most remembered by his family and friends for sharing his love.

A funeral will be held at the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel on Thursday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. April Abernethy presiding. Kirksey Funeral Home in Morganton is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Bethel Colony of Mercy, 1675 Bethel Colony Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

On-line Condolences: www.kirkseyfh.com