CECIL C. SOUTHERLAND (w∴m∴ 1965-1966)
(deceased)

Cecil Curtis Southerland was born on November 21, 1918 in Morgan, Texas. After graduating from high school in 1935, he attended North Texas State University. As a member of the Naval Reserve, during World War II he served aboard the attack transport U.S.S. Fond du Lac, and was also a Navy diver. When he was discharged in 1945, he had attained the rank of Chief Carpenter’s Mate. After his discharge, he accepted a position with the Humble Oil and Refining Company, now called Exxon U.S.A. After thirty-two and a half years of service with the company, he retired on January 1, 1979 as a Building Manager.

He was married, and had one child.

Brother Southerland received the degrees in Freemasonry from Park Place Lodge No. 1172. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on April 16, 1955; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on May 25, 1955; and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on June 22, 1955. He was a charter member of Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390, and served as its seventh Worshipful Master from 1965-1966. He also served as Treasurer from 1969-1970, as Secretary from 1970-1972, and again as Treasurer from 1975-1976.

Brother Southerland is a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery of the York Rite.

Brother Southerland is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, having received the degrees from the Houston bodies in October 1963 for the degrees of the Lodge of Perfection, and in April 1964 for the degrees in the other three bodies. For approximately twenty years he was a member of the Twenty-first Degree team.

Brother Southerland passed away on January 11, 2000 at the age of eighty-one. He was laid to rest in Forest Park West Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Masonic graveside services were performed under the auspices of Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390.