Mark Southerland, 63, of Buckholts, Texas, passed away unexpectedly in his home on July 25, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Temple, Texas, to William A. Southerland and Glenna Roberts.

Mark was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. More than anything, he cherished the time he spent with his family. His greatest joy came from watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, and he took pride in the legacy of love he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Southerland and Glenna Roberts, and his beloved son, Bill Cody Southerland.

Left to honor and cherish his memory is his loving wife, Sheila Southerland, whose love and companionship were the foundation of their life together.

He is also survived by his children: John Wayne Southerland and his wife, Bristi; Chris Southerland and his wife, Amanda; and Courtney Garvin and her husband, Matt.

Mark is survived by his siblings, Debra and her husband, Lowell Coats, his brother, Ira Southerland, brother Marty Roberts and his wife Laurel and sister Vickie and her husband Corey Lindsey.

His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Brystol Schulz and her husband, Colton Schulz, Paiden Southerland and his wife, Amanda, Pacie Southerland, Easton, Chesney, & Codi-Lynn Southerland, Summer & Shiloh Southerland, Kason, Paisley, & Ender Southerland, Lathan Garvin, Dawson Garvin.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought joy to his life: Swayzi Schulz, Clancy Schulz, Boedy Southerland, Kaylynn Chipman, and one on the way. He was a family man at the center of the Southerland family.

Mark was raised in Belton TX, where he rodeoed, worked, and later moved his family to Buckholts, TX. He was inducted into the Bell County Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2013, joining the ranks of his father and brother.

Mark was the kind of man everyone hoped to have in their corner. He was this world’s definition of a true friend - always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or help anyone in need without hesitation. For 40 years, he dedicated his life doing what he loved as Ranch Foreman at Jack Hilliard Ranches, where he earned the respect of everyone who knew him and those who knew of him through his unmatched work ethic and lifelong knowledge of ranching, farming, and the cowboy way of life. Mark wasn't just part of the ranch—he belonged to it as much as the land itself. Mark rode for the brand. He was a man of integrity who believed in Jesus, honesty, hard work, and treating others with respect. He never tolerated rude behavior or injustice and always stood up for what was right. He embodied the likeness and grit of the modern-day John Wayne.

Mark found his greatest happiness in the simple things: riding a good horse, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Whether he was working cattle, sharing stories with friends, or surrounded by his family, he was most at home on the ranch. The memories he created with those he loved will be treasured for generations to come. He was one of a kind.