James Daniel Southard

Our beloved father, James D. Southard (Jim), passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Dorothy Southard; brothers, Charles and Brent. All from Franklin, North Carolina. He is survived by his three children: son, Robert Daniel Southard; daughter, Cynthia Kaye Upchurch (Rick); son, Timothy Kyle Southard; granddaughter, Courtney Nicole Henson (Ben); grandson, Sean Daniel Southard; great grandchildren, Jackson Avett Henson and Lucy Adeline Henson.Jim was born on December 16, 1936 in Franklin, North Carolina. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Sue Duvall on January 26, 1954. The following year, Jim and Sue moved to Decatur, Georgia, where they settled and raised their three children. They were happily married for 68 years, until the passing of his beloved wife on October 1, 2022.Eighteen months after Sue's passing, Jim fell and broke his hip, after three long weeks in the hospital, sadly he did not survive, due to lung complications.Jim was a loving and devoted father upon moving to Decatur, Georgia. He pursued a career in the drycleaning business and was employed as plant manager for Morgan's Drycleaning and Laundry, in downtown Decatur for over 40 years before retiring.Together Jim and Sue had many friends that shared common interests; fishing was the main activity they loved, by far. Others were playing cards weekly, motorcycle riding in their earlier years and nice vacations together.Both of their wishes were to be cremated. Now Jim will be reunited with his loving wife and their ashes shall be scattered over Lake Oconee (Greensboro, GA), a place where they shared many fond memories with dearest of friends. The legacy of such a wonderful, loving father, friend, and special grandfather will remain forever in our hearts. May you rest in peace.Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.Read Obituary