Birth Date: 12/17/1933
Deceased Date: 10/21/2022
Sherwood Carl Southerland, age 88, died peacefully on October 21, 2022 at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC. Born on December 17, 1933 in Johnston County, NC to the late D. W. (Dock) and Katie Byrd Southerland he was preceded in death by his sister, Eula Painter; his brother, Needham Southerland and niece, Sally Walzack.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Coats officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. just prior to the service.
Sherwood is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Janice Southerland; two sons, Sherwood Southerland, Jr. and wife, Deanna of Clayton NC and Stepehen Craig Southerland and wife, Bridget of Smithfield, NC; three grandchildren, Robert Tyler Southerland and wife, Jenny of Media, PA, Victoria Claire Southerland of Charleston, SC and Alexander Craig Southerland of Smithfield, NC; sisters-in-law, Becky Renfrow and husband, Edward who (felt like a brother), Callie Jones of Smithfield along with many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Sherwood graduated from Wilson’s Mills High School and later attended Johnston Community College of Smithfield, NC. After graduating he farmed for one year and was employed by Hooks and Layne Oil of Smithfield, NC. Shortly after his marriage to Janice in 1955, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956. After basic training he was shipped to South Korea for 18 months where he participated in the Honor Guard. Upon his return home, he was soon employed by the Smithfield Post Office serving as a clerk and carrier, eventually becoming Assistant Postmaster. He transferred to the Selma office as Postmaster while living in Smithfield. He later transferred back to Smithfield as Postmaster until he retired in 1990. He then studied real estate and appraisal laws and was licensed to practice in both fields maintaining an office in Smithfield. He made many friends with his work all through Johnston County. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Selma and the Civitan in Smithfield. One of his favorite memories was being a coach in Little League Baseball and watching the young boys grow up.
After his second retirement, he enjoyed a home in Morehead City and Atlantic Beach. His boat and fishing were a great part of his life until his health began to decline. Sherwood and Janice later built a new home in the country on Short Journey Road in Smithfield, where he was raised. He did some farming but mostly enjoyed sitting on the back porch rocking and relaxing. They did have the time to make short road trips and enjoy the places they wanted to visit. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially the three grandchildren who loved him dearly. They enjoyed his golf cart and tractor rides all over the farm.
Almarie Mack will always be fondly remembered as a loving, caring and patient caretaker in our home for this past year. She was always a joyous spirit within the home. We are very grateful for Dr. Koffer, the Hospice Home nurses and the staff at the SECU Hospice for their compassion. They are truly “Angels of Mercy”. We would also like to thank the Wilson’s Mills and Johnston County EMS services for their assistance anytime, day or night.
Flowers will be greatly appreciated, but if you prefer to make a memorial donation please consider the SECU Hospice House, c/o Johnston Health Foundation, PO Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.
