Jerry Arnold Souther

Jerry Arnold Souther, 73, of Union Grove, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 10, 2015. He was born on October 14, 1941. He had been in declining health for several years and died peacefully in his sleep.

A native of Iredell County, he was son of the late Mapher E. and Johnsie Mae Godfrey Souther. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Phillip, who passed away in 1964 and four babies that went to Heaven before their births. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marcell Cook Souther. He is also survived by sons, Michael and his wife, Beth; Brian and his wife, Lisa; Nathan and his wife, Mary; and his daughter, Mary Clendenin and her husband, Andrew. Ten grandchildren, Joshua and wife, Sommer, Ashley, Deanna, Keri, Jacob and wife Karen, Jared, Timothy & Phillip Clendenin, Evelyn, and Heidi; great-grandchild, Reagan; brother, Carl Souther and wife, Betty; aunt, Mrs. Wilma Godfrey, and many nieces and nephews.

Arnold graduated from Union Grove School in 1960. He worked as a life insurance salesman for All American Life and Casualty (now AIG). He won countless trips and awards through his sharp business skills. Arnold and Marcell enjoyed trips together to Israel, Egypt, Rome, London and Puerto Rico. He started in the dairy business with his dad and brother in the late 1950s. Arnold had a passion for farming and trading. All those that knew Arnold, know he never met a stranger. He had a love for life, people and had a heart for helping others.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Western Avenue Baptist Church, where he was a member. Burial will follow in the Grassy Knob Baptist Church Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Dr. James Cartin, Dr. Harry Hensley and Dr. J.R. Speece.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Daniel and Thomas Souther, brother-in-law Raymond Deviney, cousins, Chester, William, John and Barry Godfrey and friend, Durwood Stephens.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons: Joshua, Jacob and Jared Souther and Timothy and Phillip Clendenin.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Souther family.