Denard Joseph Southall

The debonair Denard Joseph Southall was born March 5th 1945 to his loving parents Joseph Southall and Dorothy Jones. He was affectionately parented by the late Mamie Thomas, Leon Thomas Sr. and Lena Thomas, and raised to be a well mannered and loving man.

He was educated in the Anne Arundel County school system, and graduated from Bates High School.

He worked at the Department of Labor since 1974 as a Senior Printing Specialist Supervisor, earning many achievements such as the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Award, the Manager’s Diversity Awareness Leadership Development Award, and an Award in Commendation within his division. He was well accomplished before his retirement.

He was a loving and devoted father to the late Tracy and Joseph Southall. He labored many jobs at a time to provide his children a first-class lifestyle, provide a warm and loving home, and support them in all their dreams and endeavors.

He was the most fashionable gentlemen whenever he stepped out. He enjoyed jazz music, hot rod cars, old gospel hymns, and saving money to buy the finest quality items to furnish his home and style.

He was a dedicated grandfather to Dejah Charles, Paris Southall, and Spirit and Jaylon Riggsbee. He was always known to be the father figure to his grandchildren, and provide them any support that they needed.

Dejah says “To me, he was most known for always having a story. No matter the topic, my grandfather always has a story regarding the topic at hand. He would play the story out detail by detail. He was also known for being punctual. He hated being late, and disliked when anyone else was late; especially when it was something regarding him.”

“What I'll miss the most are the lectures. Though no one wants to be lectured including myself, he has instilled great values in me that I have used to further myself in growth and my career. He may not have believed that I was listening, but I always was and took away key points that I could apply to my life.”

Paris says “My grandpa was the best grandpa anyone can have. He always encouraged me, and was always there for me no matter what. We always laugh and giggle about the funny times. I remember the last words he told me was “I want to be here to see you graduate.”

“Even though you are not here to see me graduate grandpa, you will always be here in my heart and soul.”

Spirit and Jaylon say, “They will miss his love, his care, all his cards for every holiday and birthday, and how he always took them to different places on weekends. He was known for always falling asleep on movie night. (LOL)

Takidah, Spirt and Jaylon’s mother says; “she will miss their long phone conversations just talking about everything. He was a father figure to me. I will miss his flowers for birthdays, and even his harsh criticism on my proper English! And yes, grandad was known for falling asleep every single movie night.” (LOL)

Denard’s special cousin Victor says “Denard was a late comer to the family. He wanted to know the family history. He was loved by the Southall family. They did a lot of traveling together, and he was like a big brother to me. He was a highly intelligent man. He gave me guidance, and led me on the right path. He will be missed. We love you Denard.”

His caring and forgiving heart, compassion, and the best selection of greeting cards to make anyone feel special will be missed most by all. He truly put effort and thought into choosing the right card.

Preceding him in death are his beautiful children Tracy and Joseph Southall.

Left to cherish his unforgettable memory is a devoted and loving sister, Bonita Truesdale; his brother Leon Thomas Jr (Wife: Yvonne Thomas); (4) special and extraordinary grandchildren Dejah Charles, Paris Southall, and Spirit and Jaylon Riggsbee (Mother: Takidah Riggsbee); (1) beautiful niece, Gina Truesdale (great niece: Abrielle Scrivner); (3) handsome nephews, Bernard Thomas, Anthony Thomas, and Philip Truesdale II; an amazing cousin he spoke of often Victor Ross; and (2) cherished friendships, Janice Jewett and Brenda Butler.