Mercer Thomas Cleland, Jr. Obituary (1946 - 2022)

Mercer Thomas Cleland, Jr., age 75, of Lithonia, died April 1, 2022. Born in Atlanta to Lillian and Rev. Mercer Cleland, Sr., he was a graduate of Lithonia High School class of '64 and received his Associates Degree from DeKalb College. Mercer served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1968-1972. He worked for AT&T for 27 years and then for his private landscaping business, 'Cle's Lawn and Landscaping Service' for 19 years. Mercer enjoyed spending time outdoors; gardening (azaleas were his passion); walks in the woods and a good cup of coffee. He was a hardworking simple man with traditional values, who was generous with 6 his time and service to others. Mercer was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters. Surviving are his partner of 11 years, Debbie Hardy of Lithonia; sons Matt Cleland and his wife, Johanna, of Monroe, and John Cleland and his wife, Pareesa, of Roswell; grandchildren, Claire and Isla Cleland; and nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 1 o'clock, Saturday, April 9, in the chapel of Henry Funeral Home with Dr. Jim Martin and Rev. Cy Lynch officiating. The interment will follow at Turner Hill Baptist Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.