Contributions to the tribute of Johnny D. Southerlin

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Sunday, August 7, 2022

I wanted to share some of my thoughts while thinking about granddeddy. Now to me he was not grandpa, not papa, not papaw but he was "grand" "deddy". Not "daddy" but "deddy". Now, I am not sure where the "deddy" emphasis came from but that was his name to us grandkids. For me there are many memories but one with a little button came to mind. As we know, the purpose of a button is to hold something together. Now this button was front and center but never really noticed. That is unless you are a little girl with long hair. You see, my granddeddy would always wear a jacket to church with a little button on the front. Anytime I'd be with him he'd pull me in for one of those proud jolly belly hugs accompanied by his huge most genuineness grins and a laugh. No matter what, somehow my long stringy hair would meet that little button on his jacket. I could see it coming, ev-ery single time and boy it was such a painful bugger to get untangled from that button. As my thoughts reflect back over years, he was so much like the purpose of a button. He held things together. Although having the education half of required standards these days, he worked hard and had a successful business. He enjoyed the fruit of his labor. Money. We all can remember how he enjoyed golf and over many years he enjoyed bowling. I'll never forget that signature bowling hand shake (demonstrate). He was the silent giver to his family in need and also to many ministries. He had a special joyful love and he was so honorable. Above all things though he would get excited when it came to the Word of God. I will forever remember when he would pray and when he'd sing in church. The Old Rugged Cross was a regular selection. Singing and praying would be accompanied with compassionate tears. I have always been proud to have him as my granddeddy. He was there when things mattered in my life. As a single mom, he encouraged me to raise my daughter in church. He was there when I gave my heart to Jesus. He was there when I first announced being filled with the Holy Ghost. He was there when I got baptized. And I believe he'll be there when I get to heaven. He will want to see you in heaven too. I will forever remember how Granddeddy held things together just like a button.

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GRADY O'NEAL posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Sister Rilda and Family, I am so so sorry I am just now reading this. Brother Johnny was a great friend and I ennoyed the times we have been in services together with the Youth Rallies and Youth Camps over the years. He was a blessing to all who knew him. My prayers are with you all.

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The family of Johnny D. Southerlin uploaded a photo

Friday, September 11, 2020

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Frances Brassell uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

John was in our family for as long as I can remember. He was more a brother than a brother-in-law. When I think of John I'll remember... How he loved animals and they loved him. One of my favorite memories of John is him asleep in his recliner with a cat asleep in his lap. His childlike appreciation of a surprise birthday party or an unexpected gift. That his heart was so full that sometimes when he prayed aloud or talked about God he could barely speak for crying. How he loved bowling, golfing, racing, fishing, and sports in general. Him watching wrestling and getting overly excited even while he vowed that he knew it was fake. Him sneaking me, at five years old, into the hospital to see Linda Southerlin Kilpatrick right after she was born because I wanted to see her too. How he loved lemon creme cookies and orange slices. That he had the best smile...a smile that would make you smile. A kind person willing to help whenever he could...that helped me out many times over the years. His amazing faith. How he loved his God and his family. May you rest in peace, John. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25-26

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Brenda Bennett posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

I had the pleasure of being one of Johnny's caregivers. I enjoyed being with him so much, my life is truly blessed for knowing him and I will truly miss him. My fondest memory of him is scratching his back. He loved to have his back scratched he would just wiggle and say" oh that feels good "My condolences to the family ,he was a good man .God bless you all.

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Angela Barnette uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Granddeddy, You were a great example of a Godly man. I'm so thankful for you. I'll see you over at the golden streets of glory with our Savior, Jesus. Your granddaughter, Angela Dorsey Barnette

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Becky Coggins posted a condolence

Monday, September 7, 2020

Never a doubt in my mind where my uncle is now . I know your heart's are heavy now . Just knowing he is rejoicing with those who have gone before him. Cherish your memories they will bless your heart's often. I know you had a great father and he won't suffer anymore . May God give you strength in the days to come . Love you all , Becky

Johnny D. Southerlin

Feb/10/1933 - Sep/06/2020

Visitation

Funeral Service

POWERS FUNERAL HOME

Address: 832 Ridgeway Rd Lugoff, SC 29078
Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Lugoff, SC 29078

Phone: (803) 408-8711
Fax: (803) 408-8713

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Powers Funeral Home

Johnny D. Southerlin

Feb/10/1933 - Sep/06/2020

Visitation

Funeral Service

POWERS FUNERAL HOME

Address: 832 Ridgeway Rd Lugoff, SC 29078Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Lugoff, SC 29078

Phone: (803) 408-8711 Fax: (803) 408-8713

HOME | ABOUT US | AT-NEED | PRE-NEED | RESOURCES | OBITUARIES | MERCHANDISE

Powers Funeral Home

Address: 832 Ridgeway Rd Lugoff, SC 29078
Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Lugoff, SC 29078

Phone: (803) 408-8711
Fax: (803) 408-8713