January 11, 2023, 70, Goldsboro –
Paul Vernon Southerland, 70, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston. Born in Wayne County on September 22, 1952, he was the son of the late Vernon and Sadie McCarter Southerland.
Paul, affectionately known as Streeter, was born and raised in Wayne County. He attended Goldsboro High School where he could often be found on the football field wearing a Cougars uniform with a one-eyed Jack tucked in his helmet. His love for sports and his athletic talent continued after high school as he played competitive softball for many years.
Early in Paul’s career, he enjoyed working with his dad at the family businesses, Southerland City Service and Auto Body and Paint. In 1993 Paul began his career as a truck driver with Pope Transport where he drove well over 3 million miles in dedicated service to the company. In 2017 Paul started working part-time at Johnston Community College in their Truck Driving Program. He found it very rewarding to teach students new skills that would carry them throughout their careers.
Most recently you could find Paul spending time with his wife, Brenda, or his children and grandchildren. He could also be found fishing or on the golf course more times than not.
Paul is survived by his wife of 30 years, Brenda Warren Southerland; three children, Emily Southerland Byrd (David), Jaclyn Tyler Daniels, and Warren Tyler; four grandchildren, Beatrice Byrd, Shane Smith, Jackson Tyler, and Holland Tyler; sisters, Pam S. Gabriel, and Kathy S. Rector (Joe); sister-in-law Yvonne W. Robbins (Des); along with many family members and friends.
At Paul’s request, and without surprise to those who knew him, a celebratory gathering to remember his life will be held at The Pond, 208 Care Road, Goldsboro, NC on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, please visit https://pp.events/paulsoutherland.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
