Leo Kenneth Southern, 88, of Christiansburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Clara Vest Southern; daughters Patricia Southern Hughes (Barry) and Debra Southern Starner (Steve); seven grandchildren: Steven (Sarah), Lauren Starner Rowland (Matt), Ashley Hughes Stevenson (Nate), Erin Hughes Hong (Sung), Sarah, Austyn and Hannah; six great-grandchildren: Abby, William, Scarlet, Leonardo, Riley and Zoey; brothers Freddie (Frances) and Allen; sister Peggy Southern Schmidt (Bill); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Southern and Grace Lawson Southern; brothers Henry, Gene, Jerry, Earl and Johnny; and sisters Ida, Louise, Ruby and Catherine.
Leo served in the Army and was honorably discharged from the Korean Conflict. He was a 50-plus year member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where he served for many years as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent
In 1969, he and his wife established Southern Printing Company, Inc., in Blacksburg. The business is still in operation, serving the printing needs of the surrounding area.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 11a.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mike Vest and the Rev. Kenneth Wells officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Social distancing and the governor’s mandates will be observed. Face coverings are required.
The family is being served by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, Inc.
