James H. Epperson, 88, a lifelong resident of Cleveland passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in a local healthcare facility. He was a veteran of the US Navy where he proudly served his country. He was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Epperson was a well known auto dealer in the Cleveland area for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and talking about his past and his family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Epperson and Martha Stanton Epperson; grandson, Jackie Epperson; sisters, Peggy Marr, Ruth Trimm and Virginia Tinsley. Survivors include his wife, Jean "Kid" Epperson of Cleveland; children: Betty Ann (Bobby) Hodges, Judy (Tommy) Standridge, all of Cleveland, Gary (Sandy) Epperson of Charleston, Terry Epperson and Brittany Epperson of Cleveland; grandchildren: Jamie Norman, Jason Woodall, April Meeks, Jennifer Gibby, Tonia Lawson and Gary Epperson, Jr.; several great-grandchildren; sister, Sofia Jane Tucker; brothers, Donald Epperson and Mart Allen Epperson; special friends, Howard and Debra Thompson. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2013 in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Dr. Jay McCluskey officiating. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013 in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with military honors. Gary Epperson, Sr., Bryan Meeks, Gary Epperson, Jr., Jason Woodall, Matthew Meeks and Wendell Dixon will serve as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony. His family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Epperson family guestbook at wwwfikefh.com