Esten 'Sonny' Southerland

Sonny Southerland, 93, a long-time Bradenton resident, passed away at home February 24, 2015. A fourth-generation native Floridian, Sonny was born on January 16, 1922 in Wauchula, Florida to the late Esten, Sr. and June (Poe) Southerland. Sonny graduated from Wauchula High School, Class of 1940, before moving to Miami with his family in 1941. Sonny served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy on active duty from 1943 -1946 based at various Asiatic-Pacific Stations. He remained active in U.S. Navy alumni groups for many years. Sonny graduated from the University of Miami with a BA in Sociology in 1948; he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He married Mary “Camille” Southerland in 1945. They resided in Miami prior to moving to Bradenton in 1969. Locally, Sonny was a successful real-estate broker. He was a tireless volunteer with the Manatee County Humane Society.

Sonny was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Wesley Southerland, in 2009. He is survived by: Camille, his devoted wife of 70 years; four children Susan (Jerry) Dupper of Ft. Myers; Lane Southerland of Parrish; Elizabeth Southerland and Alan Southerland both of Bradenton; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Wauchula Cemetery in Wauchula (Hardee County), FL.