Richard Cleland

Richard Cleland, 81, of Sylvania, Georgia, passed away on October 13, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Georgia. Born on July 23, 1945, in Sylvania, Richard spent his entire life in the community he called home.

Richard worked as a heavy equipment operator and took pride in staying busy. He especially enjoyed working in his yard and spending time riding his tractor and lawn mower. Whether tending to his lawn or simply enjoying the outdoors, Richard found pleasure in the simple things in life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha McClellan Cleland; parents, Henry Earl Cleland and Ruby Lee Bolton; and his siblings, Henry David Cleland, Carl Cleland, and Lois Cleland.

Survivors include his sister, Ann Laura Weathers; his nieces and nephews, Bennie Joseph Weathers, Robbie Eugene Finch, Henry Roy Finch, Lois Marie Waters, Dana Ann Burke, and Ricky Eugene Cleland; and his stepchildren, Mark Lariscy and Marsha Underwood.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Thompson Strickland Waters, Joiner Anderson Chapel.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Red Bluff Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Bethel Brick Church Cemetery.