Joseph "Joe" Alvin Cleland

Sylvania – Joseph “Joe” Alvin Cleland, age 88, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020, at his residence in Sylvania. He was born in Screven County, GA to the late Clyde Alvin & Louise Tilley Cleland. He was retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad Company, where he worked as Division Superintendent, after 37 years of service. He was a member of Sylvania First Baptist Church and was a Kentucky Colonel. He was also a member of the Sylvania Rotary Club, served 16 years on the Sylvania City Council, was a 32nd Degree Mason at the Sylvania Masonic Lodge #301, was a Shriner with the Alee Temple in Savannah, GA and a member of the Edith Cavell #193 Order of the Eastern Star. He also served on the board of the Screven County Airport Authority. He was preceded in death by his Parents and a Daughter, Sandra Anita Cleland; Daughter-In-Law: Dorothy Cleland.

Survivors: Wife: Ellen Woody Cleland of Sylvania; Sons and Daughter-In-Law: Don & Debra Cleland of Sylvania and Bryan Cleland of Hiram, GA; Step-Daughter and Son-In-Law: Deborah & Eddy Robbins of Burnsville, NC; Sisters and Brothers-In-Law: Mary C. Becton, Daisy C. Davis, Ann & Steven Britton, Wanda & Randy Smith and Patsy & Doug Burkhalter, all of Savannah, Dolouise C. Eddison of Melbourne, FL and Cathy & J.W. Black of Sylvania; Brothers and Sisters-In-Law: Roger & Henrilyn Cleland of Sylvania and Ray and Linda Cleland of Savannah, GA; 7 Grandchildren; 12 Great-Grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Visitation: Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home. First hour from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM for Senior Adults to visit. Second hour from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM for all other visitors.

A private graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Screven County Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Charlie Cooper officiating.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later time.

Pallbearers: Jesse Cleland, Roger Cleland, Ray Cleland, Mike Bond, David Wells and Bryan Cleland. Honorary Pallbearers: Eddy Robbins and Harlon Parker.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Debra Godbee for her compassionate care giving to Joe and Ellen.

Remembrances: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607or to the J.C. Lewis Cancer Center, c/o St. Joseph's/Candler Foundations, 5356 Reynolds Street, Suite 400, Savannah, GA 31405.

Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. www.thompsonstricklandwaters.com