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Obituary for Cleaveland Kennedy Fountain
On November 15, 2021, the world lost a sweet, gentle, and kind man in a tragic workplace accident that took Cleaveland Kennedy Fountain from his earthly home. He leaves behind a throng of grieving co-workers, a lifelong partner, and a large family who cherished and adored him.
In many ways, Cleaveland was a renaissance man. He derived great satisfaction from working with his hands, performing remarkable automotive repairs, and rebuilding personal project cars. Cleaveland was always ready for a vibrant discussion, whether it involved crypto-currency, world affairs, or virtually anything someone might want to talk about. If he stumbled upon a new topic, then by the next morning he would have researched, catalogued, and developed a deep understanding. His diverse collection of friends from all walks of life would agree that we may never see the likes of this man again.
Cleaveland was born on June 9, 1987, in his hometown of Jackson, MS where he attended Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, and New Summit School. He went on to attend the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College. He graduated with honors from Wyotech in Blairsville, PA where he obtained certifications in High Performance Powertrains, Motorsports Chassis Fabrication, and Street Rod & Custom Fabrications.
He was a master technician with essentially all certifications from the Chrysler Corporation. He had been employed by Hill Kelly Dodge for 10 years at the time of his death. Cleaveland was much respected and admired by his fellow workers who dubbed him the “Jesus of Cars” for his long hair, beard, and ability to heal broken vehicles.
As a teenager, Cleaveland played bass and continued his love of music by going to concerts with his partner Barri. He was actively involved in car shows, with his first car being a beloved, red 1993 Toyota Supra. Cleaveland had many projects, often prolonged by his generous nature and tendency to halt his own work to help others before himself. His final project was a lifted Dodge truck, which he proudly drove to show his brother and best friend, Rick, the day before the untimely accident. Cleaveland is survived by his partner, Barri Elizabeth Cranford, with whom he shared a life of love and many precious moments, along with their beloved cats, Hendrix and Salem. He leaves behind a deeply loved and adored mother, Teresa Stratton Fountain, with whom he shared a special bond. Her love for her son was gentle, guiding, and steadfast towards his growth from an infant to a man. Siblings Claire Stratton Fountain, a younger brother Dr. Chandler Hall Fountain (wife, Dr. Yoojin Lee) and niece Eleanor Fountain. He was loved by extended family members, Aunt Sharron Dobbins (Gaines) from San Francisco, CA, Uncle Lee Stratton (Janet) of Tupelo, MS, and Aunt Dr. Kris Stratton Mahaffey (Mike) of Birmingham, AL. His older half-brother and essentially second father, Richard Fountain Jr.; sister, Leslie Allen (Mitch) and Sissy Allen; and a nephew, Parker Allen. He also leaves behind his father, Richard Fountain, and stepmother, Margot Fountain, along with her three children. He was loved by extended family and many cousins located all over the world. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joyce Kennedy Stratton, Dr. Raymond Leroy Stratton, Rondola Hall Fountain, and his namesake, Cleaveland Fountain.
Visitation will be held from 1PM to 2PM. Memorial service will be held at 2PM at Christ United Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211 on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Cleaveland Fountain to Christ United Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211 or online, or a charity of your choice, or considering Cleaveland’s love of helping animals, The Phoenix Rising Animal Rescue online (https://bit.ly/3oeDPIK) or to the C. L. Fountain Family Scholarship Endowment, which was established in honor of Cleaveland's grandfather and will be renamed to include Cleaveland Fountain in his honor. Donations may be made online (https://bit.ly/3Dvx22y).
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