Willie James Southerland Sr., 65, of Jackson died Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1951, in McRae, Georgia, to Marylee Southerland. He and Clara Silman were married March 30, 1981, in Chicago.

Willie received his bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1995. He had been a cook at the Jackson Manor.

He was a former member of First General Baptist Church in Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Southerland of Jackson; son, Willie James Southerland Jr. of Jackson; three daughters, Sandra Lee (Jamie) Long and Rosetta Marylee (Jamie) Jones, both of Jackson, and Vanessa Southerland of Cape Girardeau; 23 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until the time of service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson, with the Rev. Kevin Rhodes officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family of Willie James Southerland Sr.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.