Michael David Southern

On July 23, 1985, Michael began his life's journey. He was born to Dave and Gail Southern in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born with lots of energy. He was a very happy baby and full of life.
He had an infectious smile and laugh that could light up any room. He became a "big brother" in 1987 and loved his baby sister with his whole heart. He took his job as "big brother" seriously and was her fiercest protector. They shared a very special relationship. They were not just brother and sister, they were best friends.
He graduated from Covenant Christian Academy in May 2003. During Elementary and Middle School, he played Baseball and Basketball. In High School, he joined the school's Golf Team and that was his new love. He also was elected to the National Beta Club and enjoyed being a Chaperone for the elementary school's field trips. He always loved interacting with the younger children.
In the fall of 2003, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida. His first job was with Peter Brooke Chocolatier factory in downtown Jacksonville. He said he felt like "Willy Wonka." He then went on to work for Sprint as a Cell Phone Service Technician. Lastly, he decided to venture into the Construction world. He worked for AJ Johns, Inc for 2 years as a Surveyor. Later he would work for Concrete Profiles, Inc.for a short time. In 2018, he applied and was accepted at Tulsa Welding School. His dream was to be an Underwater Welder. However, in 2019, due to an unfortunate accident, he had to give up this dream.
He loved spending time with his family, especially at the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas were his favorite holidays. Family and extended family were a very big part of his life. Every Christmas Eve, he would spend time with the Andersons. Those nights were filled with silly games, lots of good food and lots of love and laughter. Christmas Day was spent with his immediate family, G'Ma Flo, Aunt Ruby and Uncle Lee. Then, the first Sunday after Christmas, he would go to Hiawassee to spend Christmas with his Papa, Nanny, aunts, uncles and all his "Southern" cousins. He never wanted Christmas to end. But, amidst all the food and fun, he always wanted to be sure to remember why we were celebrating Christmas – the birth of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He loved to travel. As a child, his favorite spot was Disney World. As a teenager, he went on his first Carnival Cruise and he was hooked. After that, every year was spent cruising somewhere new and enjoying many new adventures, such as climbing Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
He loved all kinds of sports, but his favorites were Roller Blading and Skateboarding. He was crazy and very adventurous and loved trying new stunts and tricks with his skates or skateboard.
He loved spending time with friends and family for Taco Tuesdays and Dollar Pizza Thursdays. He loved sharing coffee with his Dad every morning and watching ESPN. But, most of all, he loved Georgia Bulldogs Football and Atlanta Braves Baseball.
The ocean was always near and dear to his heart. Once he moved to Jacksonville, his passion turned to surfing. He loved going to the beach and just sitting. He said this is where he felt closest to his Savior. On June 11, 2023 he rededicated his life to the Lord and fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams to be baptized in the Ocean. He had just recently read through the New Testament and was about to start reading the Old Testament.
On February 3, 2024, he stepped into Eternity to live forever with his Lord and Savior.
A visitation for Michael will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, followed immediately by a committal service at Chapel Hills Memory Gardens, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225.