Tom W. Cleveland

Tom W. Cleveland died February 16, 2008 at Central Mississippi Medical Center. Visitation will be 6-8pm Monday at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram and 10 until the 11am funeral service at Griffith Memorial Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park on Clinton Blvd.\ \ Mr. Cleveland was born July 16, 1927 in Jackson and was the son of Emma Floyd Myers and J.T. Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billie Frank Cleveland.\ \ Mr. Cleveland served his country in the United States Merchant Marines during WWII. He was appointed by three governors to serve as a Commissioner with the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission. He also served for ten years as an appointed representative on the board of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply. \ \ He owned a local plumbing business for 40 years. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed sharing his love of hunting and handgrapeling catfish with family and friends. \ \ Sixteen years ago, Tom suffered a stroke. However, he remained active in his church and engaged in his community. Lovingly called Papa, he delighted in his family and nothing brought him more joy than having everyone gathered at the family home for good food, love, and laughter. His presence at these gatherings will be sorely missed.\ \ Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Mickey Cleveland; \ \ Son, Tom W. Cleveland Jr. (Rhonda) of Rio Rancho, NM; Daughters, Helen Prestridge (Steve) of Bella Vista, AR; Judy Chance (Jim) of Jackson, MS; Nancy Cleveland of Baton Rouge, LA; Grandchildren Rusty Prestridge (Meredith) of Tulsa, OK; Stevie Prestridge (Kristy) of Bella Vista, AR; Jody Chance of Dallas, TX; Jamie Crouch (Josh) of Charleston, SC; Shelly Vincent (Jeremiah) of Manassas, VA; and Corey Keele (Amber)of Fort McGuire, NJ.\ \ Great grandchildren Tyler and Stevie Lynn Prestridge and Lydia Keele \ \ Siblings, Ruth Cunningham of Baton Rouge, LA; James O. Cleveland (Betty)of Dallas, TX; and Dan Cleveland (Anna) of Land O' Lakes, FL and an extended family of numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.\ \ Memorials may be made to the Youth Department at Griffith Memorial Baptist Church.\