William Southern

William Vernon Southern, Jr. of West Point passed away on Tuesday May1, 2012 at NMMC-West Point at the age of 90. He was born June 27, 1921 in Clay County to the late Valena Yeary and William Southern. He was a veteran of the US Navy in the South Pacific and served in WWII. In his working years he was employed at Babcock and Wilcox and later owned and operated Southern's grocery. In retirement he enjoyed working in his shop and garden. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Graveside services will be Saturday May 5, 2012 at 3 PM at Greenwood Cemetery with the Dr. James Towery officiating. Pallbearers will be James Hawkins, Don Griffin, Ray Carroll, Frank Gibbs, Will Friend, and John Rogers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Wail Alnas, Richard Hazelwood, Charles Wyatt. Visitation will be Saturday at 1:30 pm to 2:45 PM at Robinson Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Helen Southern of West Point; daughters, Peggy Hawkins (James) of Columbus, Marty Friend of Starkville; son in law, Bob Gates of New Albany; grandchildren, Debbie Smith(Mike) of Edinburgh, Scotland, Susan Griffin (Don) of Nashville, TN, Amy Carroll (Ray) of Collierville, TN, Holly Nelsen (Thad) of Fairhope, AL, Mary Heather Gibbs (Frank) of Hernando, Will Friend (Carrie) of Atlanta, GA, Fleming Rogers (John) of Starkville; 17 great-grandchildren; niece, Velma Caskey of West Point. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Patricia Southern Gates; brothers, Herman Henry, and Charles Southern; sisters, Rena Mae Gartin, Beulah Smith. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942