Curtis Southerland

Curtis Larry Southerland entered the eternal peace of heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Tuesday, December 13, 2016. "Larry" as he was known best, was born October 14, 1939 in Santa Rosa, Texas. The first born son of Ennis Clyde Southerland and Clarice Opal Nelms Southerland. Gary E. Southerland, his younger brother, as well as his parents have preceded him in death. Those who remain to mourn his life are his devoted, loving wife, Judith Lee Campbell Southerland, sons, Jonathan T. Mankin and wife Elaine, Spring, TX; Michael R. Southerland and wife Denise, Kissimmee, FL; Dale A. Southerland and wife Catherine, San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Madilene Huron, St. Cloud, FL; Tessie Southerland, St. Cloud, FL and Crystal Southerland, Kissimmee, FL; Curtis J. Southerland, Kissimmee, FL; Hunter and Payton Southerland, San Antonio, TX; 9 great grandchildren; several cousins; niece, Katherine Malloy and husband Greg, Houston, TX; nephew, Gary E. Southerland, Jr. and wife Erica, College Station, TX.\r\n \r\nAt the age of 8 years of age Larry trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in his home church in Houston, TX. He graduated in 1958 from Galena Park High School, Galena Park, TX. Following graduation Larry entered University of Corpus Christi studying for the ministry. Larry was a very strong presence in his youth as a youth evangelist. He helped in crusades around Houston, TX with other youth from the area. Larry was licensed as a minister from his church in October, 1961.\r\n \r\nWith a growing family to support, Larry was unable to complete his college education. He worked at various positions in the oil and steel industry around Houston. He and his father started a construction business that developed into full time employment.\r\n \r\nIn 1970 Larry met his wife to be, Judy. They married in 1971 and shared 45 1/2 years of marriage. Larry and Judy served the Lord together throughout their marriage. Together they worked with the Junior Dept. of Sunday School as directors and teachers for several years. They helped start a church for their craft show family in 1989. Larry would preach and Judy would sing solos. As the couple shared God's word through message and song many found encouragement to live for God.\r\n \r\nLarry and Judy started a wood furniture business in 1982 called THE WOOD NOOK. They worked together full time developing their craft into a large manufacturing shop. 1990 found them moving from Houston to Center Point, TX as business grew. The couple traveled all over the United States until 2002 when Larry retired.\r\n \r\nRetirement years were still busy for Larry as he would serve in community outreach. Several years found him on Monday evenings giving devotionals at the Kerr County jail. He continued to serve 4 days a week with Christian Assistance Ministry, Christian Men's Job Corps, St. Vincent's Food Pantry.\r\n \r\nWhen a disaster would happen, you would find Larry serving Texas Baptist Men's Disaster unit, with Hill Country Shower Trailer unit. Larry served this unit 10 years or more. The last 2 years Judy joined him on disaster call outs. Larry and Judy served their church on many committees throughout the years of their marriage.\r\n \r\nUntil recent health failed Larry, you would find this servant on call. His winsome smile would "light up the room" as one friend recalls. Larry was a true servant for his Lord. Larry will be remembered for his genuine love for his Lord, his time with his wife, his family, a Jimmie Johnson fan and true Southern Country Gospel music.\r\n \r\nMemorial services will be held 11 AM, Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Trinity Baptist Church.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers the family requests remembrance be to any of the following: Christian Men's Job Corps, 301 Junction Hwy., Kerrville, TX 78028, "Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."; Christian Assistance Ministry, 624 Clay St., Kerrville, TX 78028; or to Texas Baptist Men c/o Disaster Relief, 5351 Catron Dr., Dallas, TX 75227.\r\n