On November 15, 2021, the world lost a sweet, gentle, and kind man in a tragic workplace accident that took Cleaveland 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 is also survived by a large family including his older brother and essentially second father, Richard Fountain Jr.; two sisters, Leslie Allen (Mitch Allen) and Claire Fountain; a younger brother Chandler Fountain (Yoojin Lee); stepbrothers Sam Efferson, Ross Taylor (Emily Taylor,) and Lee Taylor (Jill Taylor); two nieces, Sissy Allen and Eleanor Fountain; and a nephew, Parker Allen. 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 a young boy to a man. He also leaves behind his father, Richard Maurice Fountain, to whom he will always be "Daddy's main man," and stepmother, Margot James Fountain. 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, Raymond Leroy Stratton, Rondola Hall Fountain and his namesake, Cleaveland Fountain.

Visitation will be held 9:00am until a memorial service to begin at 10:00am Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Cleaveland Fountain to either a charity of your choice or to the C. L. Fountain Family Scholarship Endowment at the University of West Florida, 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 ) or by check to the UWF Foundation, 11000 University Pkwy Bldg 12, Pensacola, FL  32514.

A go-fund-me account has been established ( https://bit.ly/3oOgq01 ) for his partner Barri.

"Anybody here seen my old friend Cleaveland?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He helped lotta people, but it seems the good they die young
I just looked around and he's gone
Didn't you love the things that he stood for?
Didn't he try to find some good for you and me?
We will see you again"

Cool, Cool

Click this link to view additional details about Cleaveland's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/cleaveland-fountain