Obituary: Hollis Ray Southern

Hollis Ray Southern, age 88, of Oak Ridge, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at the Methodist Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 9, 1925, in Middlesboro, Ky., the son of Mabele Harris and Robert Lee Southern.

Mr. Southern served his country with service in the U.S. Army from 1946–1947.

After 39 years of loyal service, he retired from Union Carbide Corp., where he was a chemical operator. He was an avid gardener and handyman, helping to build Southern Boat Dock in Rutledge. He started collecting coins as a young boy and before it ever became popular, Mr. Southern was a couponer—always looking for good deals. He was also an animal lover and enjoyed cooking.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Southern in 2005, and by brothers, Al Southern and Gene Southern and daughter-in-law, Nancy McGinnis Southern, in 2003.

He is survived by his wife of 60.5 years, Nannie “Ann” Brock Southern; son, Robert Southern of Oak Ridge; brothers, Douglas Southern of Rutledge, and Glyn Southern and wife Martha of Morristown; sisters, Frances Cantwell of Knoxville and June Stockley of Morristown; and granddaughters, Ashley Southern of Knoxville and Jessica Southern of Oak Ridge, whom he raised.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The memorial service will follow at 8 p.m. with Rev. Robert Melton officiating. Family and friends will meet on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens for a graveside service.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.