Cyril "Ray" Southern

A beloved Father, Grandpa and friend, Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on 12/26/34 in Modale, Iowa, Ray was the youngest child of Ralph & Mary Southern and the youngest brother to Ralph, Bill, Eleanor, Maxine and Derrell.

Ray’s family moved to Missouri Valley, Iowa at a young age where he graduated high school in 1952.

Ray went on to serve his country in the US Army from 1957-1959.

Shortly after his Army service, Ray moved to Omaha and began working at Kirkham-Michael & Associates where he retired after 40 years.

In 1961, he met his beloved Bonnie. They married on June 2, 1962. Ray always said his anniversary was easy to remember because of the date: 6262.

Ray loved his sports, especially Nebraska Cornhusker Baseball. He spent many years driving down to Lincoln to cheer on his team at Haymarket Field.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie. He is survived by his children, Danny Southern; Donna Smith (Ed Smith); David Southern (Kim Southern); and Debbie Kozelle (Chris Kozelle), as well as his grandchildren, Zach Smith, Jake Smith, Brea Smith, Robby Southern, Amber Pekas, Austin Hill, Nikki Dymek and many great grandchildren.

A visitation with rosary for Cyril will be held Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 South 118th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

Cyril will be laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.