Mike D. Cleland

Mike D. Cleland, age 89, of Baxley, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Lakeview Retirement Center.  

Mr. Cleland was born May 12, 1934 in Appling County to the late Ed Cleland and the late Ora Lee Claxton Cleland and was preceded in death by his wife, Malzie Ellis Cleland. He was a faithful member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and trustee.  He sang bass with the Songsmen, Pilgrims, and Pinesmen Gospel Groups.  After retiring from the Georgia Department of Transportation, he served as county manager for Appling County and Jeff Davis County. Mr. Cleland was a member of the Baxley Kiwanis Club, the Jaycees, the Cattleman’s Association and was a Gideon.  He was a founding board member of Community Bank and a past chairman of the Appling County Development Authority.

Survivors include his daughter, Debbie (Wendell) Bullard of McRae; son, Eddie (Shea) Cleland of Baxley; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:00 am at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Bryant Bishop, Rev. Barry Teutsch and Rev. Thomas Lawrence officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Hollis Bullard, Michael Cleland, Chad Cleland, Layne Parker, Cody Parker and Braden Parker.

Honorary pallbearers will be all friends in attendance.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Friendship Congregational Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Congregational Christian Church 900 Friendship Church Road Baxley, GA 31513. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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