Sylacauga, Alabama - Mr. Dexter James Cleveland was born on July 30, 1966, in Sylacauga, Alabama.  He was the beloved son of Lewis Cleveland and Dora L. Pilate who both preceded him in death.  He was affectionately known as “Heavy D” by many friends and family.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle.

At an early age, Dexter accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with Union Baptist Church.  He received his education at Sylacauga High School where he graduated with the class of 1984.

Along Dexter’s life’s journey he met and united in Holy Matrimony to Melissa Chambliss, to this union two children were born, Daytton and Daylon Cleveland. 

Dexter was a dedicated employee with Community Funeral Home, Sylacauga, Alabama for many years.  In his spare time, he loved to travel and fish in many rivers and ponds.  He had a passion for music, which led him to become a local Disc Jockey (DJ).  He was also a local yardman for many residents in the Sylacauga area. 

Dexter departed this walk of life on August 17, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Cleveland and Dora L. Pilate, three sisters, Diane Holtzclaw, Carolyn Hamilton, and Gloria Nix. 

His love will forever be remember by his loving wife, Melissa Cleveland; three sons, Dexter (Miranda) Searcy, Daytton and Daylon; two stepdaughters, Monique and Cheryl; two sisters, Janet (Ray Charles) Stone, and Nannette (Danny) Mithchell; two brothers, J.C. Pilate and Tommy (Janel) Pilate; three brother in laws, Willie (Valeria) Chambliss, Bobby (Taretta) Chambliss, Jim Nix, Jerry Holtzclaw, Cecil Hamilton and Robert (Darlene) Nicks; sister in laws, Shirley (Al) Libson, and Sharon Hollinquest; Special cousins, Monica Cleveland, Taneisha Speers and Eddie Jackson, Jr.; special friends, Jay Anderson, Dale Burns, and Jay Johns; special aunts, Betty Birts, Arwiltha Bozeman, Sarah Canady and Deloisa Adale Huntley; mother in law, Rosie Chambliss; special family friends, Sunnie Wallace, and Amya Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.