Lloyd James Franklin Southern

In Loving Memory of Lloyd James Franklin Southern
Lloyd James Franklin Southern, a beloved husband, devoted father, esteemed professor, and perpetual seeker of knowledge, peacefully passed away on July 20, 2023, in Sylva, North Carolina. He was 87 years old.
He was born on October 1, 1935, to Carter Cleveland Southern and Linda O'Dessie Simmons Southern in Gilmer County, Georgia. He was brother to Lorens Southern, Jewell Garland, Jewett Silver and Lowree Godfrey. He graduated from Gilmer County High School, where he laid the foundation for his future academic accomplishments
Lloyd graduated with his Associates Degree from Reinhardt College and served in the United States Army in Augsburg, Germany during the Cold War. Upon his return, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Industrial Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He worked in the private sector for Lockheed Martin in the accounting department. He achieved his Masters and Ph.D. from Georgia State University, solidifying his expertise in Business Management and Information Systems.
A dedicated educator, Lloyd's profound impact on the lives of countless students resonates through generations. As a college professor in business management and information systems at Georgia Highlands College, University of West Georgia, Kennesaw University and Mercer University, he instilled wisdom, inspired ambition, and nurtured the growth of his students, leaving an indelible mark on their academic and personal journeys. In 2018, he retired as a full professor from Mercer University. Later that year, he was granted Professor Emeritus.
Lloyd's thirst for knowledge knew no bounds, and he remained a lifelong learner. At the age of 68, he embraced a new challenge obtaining his pilot's license. Taking to the skies, he soared with the same passion that he applied to every aspect of his life.
Beyond his academic and aerial pursuits, Lloyd was a skilled and versatile craftsman. Whether he was working with wood as a carpenter, tinkering with engines as a mechanic, or handling electrical work as an electrician, his ingenuity knew no limits. His talents and craftsmanship brought joy and utility to the lives of those around him.
Among his greatest joys was the enduring love and companionship he shared with his beloved wife of 62 years, Edna Murphy Southern. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, serving as an inspiration to all who knew them.
Lloyd was a devoted father to his son, Mark Lloyd Southern, of Carrollton, Georgia, and his daughter, Laura Southern Miller, who, along with her husband John, reside in Whittier, North Carolina. He took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Madelyn Mann Miller and Winston Lloyd Miller, showering them with love and wisdom.
He is also survived extended family including: his much loved sister-in-laws and brothers-in laws, Edith Murphy Hagen and Vernon D. Hagen of Woodstock, Georgia, Shirley Murphy Burgess and Charles W. Burgess of Jasper, Georgia, Eva Murphy Hicks and James (Jim) O. Hicks of Blacksburg, Virginia, nieces and nephews, Rowena Hamby (Olen), Jerry Southern (Kathleen), Sharon Godfrey, Kim Hagen (Kelly), Dinah Titus, Karen Gordon (Tommy), Kenda Erwin, and Kevin Hicks (Nancy) as well as many great nieces and great nephews.
As a member of the First Baptist Church in Carrollton, Lloyd's faith was a cornerstone of his life. Guided by his Christian values, he led by example, demonstrating compassion, kindness, and generosity in all his endeavors.
Lloyd James Franklin Southern leaves behind a rich tapestry of cherished memories, a legacy of learning, and a profound impact on those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be dearly missed by family and friends, whose lives he touched and shaped in meaningful ways.
May we find comfort in the precious memories we hold close to our hearts and carry forward Lloyd's enduring legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, July 26th at 2:00 p.m. at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Jasper, Georgia with Reverend Murphy Hagen officiating. The family will receive family and friends at Roper Funeral Home in Jasper, Georgia from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Services are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.