Ralph Timm Southerland

Mr. Ralph Timm Southerland, age 76 of Trion, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his residence.

Ralph was born in Resaca, Georgia on November 7, 1947, son of the late R.L. and Ruby Lee Cagle Southerland.  Ralph was a veteran of the United States Army and was retired from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.  He served with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for over 35 years as a jailer, Captain, Jail Administrator and Court Services Deputy.  Ralph also owned and operated Southerland Garage as a full-time mechanic.  He was a devoted and faithful member of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Trion for 47 years, after being saved on May 1, 1977.  Among the offices he held over the years, he was a Sunday School teacher and had been treasurer.  In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years and mother of his children, Clara Southerland and his second wife, of 12 years, Frances Powell Southerland; a brother, Ronald Southerland; a sister, Linda Chamlee; son, Timothy DeWayne Southerland; granddaughter, Jennifer Whitt.

Ralph is the father of Mark (Kim) Southerland, Brian(Kathy) Southerland, Karen Swafford, and Linda(Joseph) Reynolds.  He is also the brother of Kathy Wells.  Ralph has 23 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and an abundance of great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his special friends, Bill and Nancy DeHart and Jim and Patti Grindstaff; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Ralph will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Lowell Cantrell officiating.  Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery with military honors being provided by the Shanklin-Attaway Post 5 of the American Legion Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will include Burt Reynolds, Brandon Southerland, Austin Southerland, Luke Busby, Matthew Busby, Jackson Montgomery, Andy Williams and Taylor Long.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Ralph’s Grandchildren, Bill DeHart, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the Members of New Bethel Baptist Church.

Ralph will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Monday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Ralph Timm Southerland.  Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

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