LOUISBURG - Tasker Brooks Southerland, 82, of Louisburg, died Tuesday morning at his home.

Tasker was a son of the late James S. and Ethel P. Southerland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie D. Southerland, and several sisters and brothers.

After completing high school, he attended Louisburg College, later joining the Air Force during the Korean War. Living in Virginia after military service, he continued his education and worked for NASA. For several years he served on the rocket design team in the space program. Home called and returning to Louisburg with his family, he continued engineering with Exide where he retired after 30 years of employment.

First in love and service in his life was God. He was a pillar in Hill King United Methodist Church as long as his health allowed. He enjoyed being involved in Gideons International for years, helping spread God's word throughout the world. Gramby was an avid collector, be it coins, knives, books or the finds of scouring a freshly plowed field for arrowheads he enjoyed sharing all of his collections with anyone who stopped for a visit. Painting, drawing and carving were gifts he possessed and he has left us with many original pieces we will cherish. He spent much time piddling around his small farm, tinkering on projects that may include canning summer harvest or building a barn in his spare time. He never hurried but took time for all, making each encounter special. His family cherishes each memory of times with Gramby, with each grandchild having many special stories they enjoy recalling. From tales of old times to Saturday nights enjoying "A Prairie Home Companion" on the radio, we will miss him.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Southerland Family Cemetery, 484 Stone Southerland Road. The family will receive friends at the home at all times.

Tasker is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela S. and Frank Eagles of Rolesville; Lynne S. and Alan Bodle; Kimberly S. and Philip Phelps, all of Louisburg; sister, Carole Southerland; brothers, Raeford Southerland, Henry Southerland, Kert Southerland and Larry Southerland; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary