Joseph Maurice Souther

Joseph Maurice Souther, Sr., passed away Monday, October 25, 2010 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville. He was born December 12, 1922 in Fletcher, NC to Joseph Lonzo and Cora Livingstone Souther. He graduated from Georgia Tech at the age of 19, served in the US Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received four bronze stars and two purple hearts while representing our country overseas. Upon returning to Asheville, Mr. Souther began a career as a building contractor that spanned over fifty years. The majority of his career was spend building homes as chief operating officer of J.M. Souther Construction Co. and he later worked (until 80 years of age) for various building companies, focusing primarily on commercial building. On March 5, 1947, he was married to Frances Dotson, and they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage prior to her death in February of 1984. Surviving are a daughter, Brenda Waugh and her husband, Randy, of Lewisville, NC; a son, Joseph M. Souther, Jr. and his wife, Diane, of Asheville; three grandchildren, Brian, Mark and Kathryn Waugh and two step-grandchildren, Kiana Miles and Kirkland Ahrens. While Mr. Souther's greatest joy in life came in spending time with his family, he also enjoyed skeet shooting, fishing, woodworking, golf, watching all types of sporting events and especially spending time with "man's best friend", his beloved Dusty. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 29, 2010 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with interment to follow at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher. The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 PM on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the funeral home.