Willie Southern

Willie Southern, 85, died Friday, June 16, 2017 at his Caldwell home after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born August 17, 1931 and raised in the little hills of Alco, Arkansas to the late McKinley and Berniece Lee Southern. He made as many trips as he could back to his childhood home to visit with family and friends and to see Round Mountain.

Willie was a soft spoken, kind, and sweet gentleman. He put everyone at ease. He was dearly loved. His greatest joy in his life was his family he was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His greatest heartache was the loss of his wife, Linda in 2004.

Willie was a very hard worker. He held many jobs and worked into his mid seventies. He worked for the county for 14 years, and the State Highway. He was a self-employed carpenter. He was a natural born talented handy man that could build and fix about anything. He did beautiful masonry work that can still be seen through the Treasure Valley. Later in life he worked as a vacuum repairman for Sam and Wanda McConnell. They were given the opportunity to operate the business as Willie and Linda's Vacuum Repair shop until 2004.

Willie cherished life he was thankful for each day. Simple things made him happy. He could grow a bountiful garden and he always shared what he had. He liked camping up at Silver Creek. He enjoyed his metal detector and searching for treasures. He and his son-in-law, Carlos attended meetings together at the Boise Basin Recovery Club to share what they had found. He liked getting together for coffee at McDonald's with his many friends. The circle got smaller with each passing including his dearest friend, Wilburn Jones. He loved music and could play the guitar, and mandolin. He learned to play tunes by ear. We can still remember when he played Wildwood Flower.

Willie and Linda attended Gene Hanson's Ustick Nazarene Church. Willie was a Christian. He was able to recite with his daughter, Gail just a few days before his passing, John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. So blessed to have a father like you.

He is survived by his children, Larry (Maria) Southern, Gail (Conley) Warn, James Wade, Sandra Southern-Black, Shelley Southern, Susan (Carlos) Ruiz, grandchildren, Kelli Anne, Jennifer Dee, Michaela Marie, Randy, Chelsee, Michael, Willie, Tomas, Samuel, great grandchildren, Taylor, Kolton, Brynn, Loren Elias, and Levi due in August, sister, Wilma Tilley, brothers, Rubin Southern, Junior (Sandra) Southern.

He was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Berniece Southern, wife of 30 years, Linda Villines Southern, infant son, William, brother Hugh Southern, sister-in-law, Louise Southern, brother-in-law, Ray Tilley, son-in-law, Robert Black, nephew, Mike Tilley.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers and Harrison's Hope Hospice that helped keep our Dad at home through his illness. Especially his nurse, Virginia Riffe who provided excellent care to him for the past 3 years, and his daughter, Shelley who stayed with him until his passing.

Graveside Services will be held at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Wednesday, June, 21, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. Under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel. Pastor Roger Wall officiating.

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