Thomas Franklin “Frank” Breland
82, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church for Thomas Franklin "Frank" Breland, 82, of Columbia, who died on Thursday, Nov. 2, in Hattiesburg. Burial followed in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Tommy Broom, Bro. Todd Sumrall and Bro. Jerron Carney officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Hathorn Funeral Home and from 2 p.m. until the time of the services on Sunday, Nov. 5, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
As a lifetime resident of Marion County, he was involved in his community in several capacities. He was a faithful member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church where he served as the building superintendent. He spent several years serving on the Marion General Hospital Board and 10 years on the Columbia City School Board. He was recognized as Forester of the Year for Marion County and the Southeastern Region in 1994. In 1988, he retired as partner and owner of Breland Ready-Mix. The Tri-Community Fire Department owes its existence to Frank, as he wrote the grant to form the organization. An avid outdoorsman, his home displayed his love for hunting and fishing. He carried a deep love in his heart for all of his family and for his Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H.O. and Naomi Breland; one son, Frank Mikell Breland; two brothers, Hillman Breland and Raymond Breland and one sister, Suzanne Breland Case.
Survivors his wife of 64 years, Betty Cranford Breland of Columbia; three daughters, Anna Maria Breland and Susan Claire Breland Wallace (Mike), both of Columbia and Allison Naomi Breland Christie of Horn Lake; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Thomas Breland of Columbia; one sister, Gail Breland Hutto (Guerny) of Columbia; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were his grandsons, Joe Breland, Tye Breland, Chris Wallace, Bryan Wallace, Brandon Wallace and Shaw Christie.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital in Memphis at www.stjude.org/donate or the Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.
Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
