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. [Read more…]