My Dearest Dad:

It has been such a blessing to be your caregiver. You were absolutely the most kind and loving Father we all could have. God truly blessed our family when he sent you to us. I will miss our friendly banter that we shared and my way of picking at you. Yes I’m a lot like Fern - just a big picker and pest. I loved making your pies and cakes and watching you just mow them down. I so enjoyed sitting on the swing for hours with you. All the trips we shared in New Braunfels were some of the best times we had as a family. You have been the greatest Father and friend we could have had. I miss you and cannot wait to see you in Heaven!  I know you are floating down the Comal up there and having a blast. Thank you Dad and Love You John Brussel Sprout!!!

You’re one of the best men I’ve ever known. A great Christian, husband, father, father in law, grandfather, provider, friend, councilor, and all the best a human being can aspire to be. You and your lessons live on through my children and you’ll be missed dearly. We love you, Papaw. (Russell) Enjoy singing praises to our Lord with John, Jr. and your beloved Fern. 
I love you, Beth. 

Many people called him John or Russell but, for me, he will always be my "Papaw." That name, every time I write or say it, has always brought me feelings of joy and compassion.  For a man who served as our grandfather, he was so much more. Papaw was my very best friend, someone who was always present, supportive, kind, loving, caring, and, most importantly, Christ-like.
When I say his name now and think of him, I think about a love note that he once left me. I think about his voice, how I can hear him even now. I reflect upon the man who pointed us all to Someone bigger, greater, and better than us all: to Jesus Himself.
When I last saw Papaw in July, I shared with him some comforting words from Romans, chapter eight, verse 35: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
As I gave my Papaw the Lord's Supper the last time I saw him, I witnessed  what I always saw: I saw his faith. His faith that joined us in Christ and continued to be visible in all that he said and did. His faith in Jesus Christ was seen right there in front of me. What a gift! To have Papaw in your life, that was a gift. You see, he never stopped showing people this faith. His greatest way of showing it was through giving, through compassion. He gave us all everything and more.
Papaw's soul is now with Jesus. When I think of him, I begin to cry. I feel sadness, like someone ripped out a piece of my heart. I feel despair. I feel the anguish of losing a person who had my heart and who gave his heart so willingly. I feel that deep pain, the pain of knowing that I can't hold his hand and I can't call him or cry with him. But I also feel joy, a joy that only comes from knowing in faith as Papaw knew that, "My Redeemer Lives." I love you with all of my heart, Papaw. Thank you!
Your Grandson, Matthew

Papaw was a man of high morals and unconditional love, in which everyone loved him in return.  Whether he was in the office with Donna and Bill at ABJ, or in his overall's planting in his garden. Papaw gave his all to anything he put his mind to. He loved being at and helping around Abiding Word.  He worked hard at instilling goodness and the Word of God in his family. 

One of the greatest gift's from God is being your grand daughter.  I am forever grateful for all you have done not only for me, but for the entire family.  
Out of the many fond memories, one will always be engraved in my heart. One day when I was young, I asked my grandfather if he could live as long as Moses. To which he chuckled and replied, "As long as God allows."  

We cherish our memories of you and are so Thankful to our Lord and Savior for having you has a loving Christian example to follow. We love you more than words and will see you on the other side Tomatoman.

Love always
carol Ballard


Most of y'all know him as John South. I only knew him as Uncle Russell. 
.
My earliest memories of Uncle Russell occurred as a boy playing on the beach in Galveston with my cousins Carol and Jerri. 
.
While my cousins and I played, my Dad, Uncle Russell and Mam Maw would walk out into the water and set up their crab lines and baskets. 
.
I remember their faces as if it were yesterday. They really enjoyed Galveston. 
.
Mostly though, they loved being in the company of one another.
.
Those memories of Galveston are special. It was there that I learned how much my Dad and Uncle enjoyed and loved family. 
.
As that young boy, I saw how much Uncle Russell loved us all and how much he enjoyed seeing everyone laugh and smile. 
.
As I grew older and became a man, I witnessed his actions and deeds. It was then I discovered how honorable a man my Uncle was. 
.
He loved God, Family and Country without any doubt. 
.
The value he placed on love, hope and faith was undeniable. 
.
His Christian values and belief in salvation was a joy to witness. His love of fellowship was incredible and truly special. 
.
Now, Uncle Russell is home with the Lord, his parents, my Aunt Fern, cousin John and my Dad.
.
I thank him for so many things and I will always cherish his memory. 
.
I know he's happy and at peace. ❤

I have always been close to my grandparents, and remember spending most of my childhood at their house or with them in some manner. My grandfather was a man that I could look up to and he always would take care of everyone around  him whether he was asked to or not. I remember one of the things I was always most proud of was how close and caring my family was. We would always eat together, celebrate birthdays and any occasion really to just be together and it was something I will always cherish. I firmly believe that closeness was the result of my grandparents being the best people to be around.  I remember as a kid, going to pick blackberries with my grandpa and being covered head to toe in them  because I could never wait until we got home to eat them. I loved playing piano for him, and would do so any time he aske me to. He would always request to hear 'I Know That my Redeemer Lives,' which always ended with a resounding AMEN! My grandfather was the best role model and family that I could have ever asked for. I will miss him more than he knows and am so lucky to have been able to be a part of his life. I will forever cherish the things he taught me and I cant wait to see him again one day. 

I grew up with the South/White/Lee family. As a kid I grew up swimming in Mr and Mrs South pool and attending numerous family functions with their incredible family. I had the pleasure of being his granddaughter Jessica's best friend growing up. I wish I had time to write my most fond memory but the trips to new bransful, Timpson, lubys, carrabas and many more places will always hold a special place in my heart. You will truly be missed Mr South. Tell Mrs South I said hello and if you see my mama up there give her a big hug from me. She loved you so much! ❤

OBITUARY

John Russell South

July 3, 1938 – September 16, 2021

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services