Obituary for Stephen Thomas Southerland

MR. STEPHEN THOMAS SOUTHERLAND, age 72, of Macon, GA, died peacefully Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA. Steve - ‘Stevie’ to childhood friends and family - was a source of love, support, and guidance for so many in the Macon community. He was married to Lynn R. Southerland and was her caretaker in hospice until her passing on June 7, 2023. Together they modeled deep love for each other and a lifelong devotion to God during their 48 years of marriage.

He is survived by his two sons – Wilson T. Southerland of Rochester, NY, and Anthony Z. Southerland (Andrea) of Spring Hill, TN; four grandchildren – Madelyne, Zachary, Murphy, and Daniel. He also leaves behind older sisters Judith S. Brendle and Kathy S. Paulk; nieces and nephews Deb Brown (Glenn), Rob Brendle (Maurie), Matt Paulk (Nikki), Casey Paulk (Traci), Andy Paulk, Robert Ruffo (Meghan), Stephen Ruffo (Nan), and Christi Ruffo; and numerous cousins and friends.

Steve was born April 12, 1951, in Eastman, GA, son of the late Ferdinand Zeral ‘Red’ Southerland and Lillian Greene Southerland. A move from Roddy to Cochran followed, where he spent a happy childhood. After graduating from Cochran High School in 1969, Steve served 5 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, and then went on to complete an associate’s degree in business at Middle Georgia College and a B.B.A. in accounting at Georgia College.

While at Middle Georgia College, he was fortunate to meet his soulmate Lynn, whom he married in 1975. He was a member of the golf team, and the early years of marriage to Lynn often found them both on the golf course. Sons Wilson and Tone followed after they settled in Macon. The family home on Vista Circle was the focus of scores of memories over the years for the boys as well as their parents, who were fortunate to live there until ‘old age.’ After receiving his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1981, he opened his own accounting practice which he operated for several decades until retirement.

Although Steve thought it was the numbers that drew him to accounting, he soon discovered it was the people and the relationships that were most important. He found himself in the role of counselor, offering sage advice to clients and friends, usually accompanied by a joke and always with a hearty laugh. He often used humor to connect with people, keeping conversations agreeable and light-hearted with doses of truth and humility. Steve maintained the balance of a professional who was also your friend.

Steve served as elder and deacon, church treasurer, and the chair of the endowment committee at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA. He was president of the Middle Georgia CPA Society, president of Toastmasters, and a Cub Scout pack leader.

A joint service celebrating the life of Steve and Lynn Southerland will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA, on Saturday, August 26, at 11:00am, with Dr. Ralph Hawkins officiating. There will be a light reception immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, Macon, GA where Steve learned, lived, led, and served for much of his spiritual journey.