FRANKLIN - The Rev. Howard W. Southard, at the age of 91, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, after a brief period of declining health.
A native of Macon County, he was the son of the late Albert and Iola Henry Southard of Franklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Ramey Southard, and a brother, the Rev. Gene Southard.
He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Wooten and husband, Bruce; and his son, Steven Southard and wife, Cheryl, all of Franklin.
He was loved and cherished by four grandchildren, Adrienne Wooten, Tiffany Hurst, Kayla Fenoglio and husband Taylor, Cody Southard and wife, Whitney; and one great-grandson, Jaydison Hurst of Franklin. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Southard of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was called by God to be a Baptist preacher at the age of 35 while working at General Motors in Doraville, Georgia. He later returned to Franklin to begin his ministry of pastoring in several local churches, which included Bible Baptist Church, Central Baptist Church and Victory Baptist Church. He was the founding pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he was most recently a member. He had a radio broadcast, “The Gospel Light” which aired on WFSC on Sunday mornings for several years. His ministry has touched the lives of many people.
He enjoyed gardening, reading, hunting, fishing, the outdoors and his pets.
The family received friends Sunday, Dec. 29 at Macon Funeral Home. Services were held on Monday, Dec. 30 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Revs. Lewis Smith, Bobby Cloer and Richard Salmonson officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were the Revs. Lewis Smith, Bobby Cloer, Frank Rodriquez, Richard Salmonson, Rusty Wolfrey and Albert Grey. Other ministers of Macon County were honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 129 Emmanuel Road, Franklin, NC 28734 or Victory Christian School, 278 Victory Church Road, Sylva, NC 28779.
He will be missed greatly. But we don’t say goodbye, just so long, Pappaw, we will see you on the other side.
We know that heaven is now sweeter because you are there! We Love You!