"JE" John Edward Southard

Mr. John Edward “JE” Southard, 89, passed away peacefully at Yadkin Nursing Center, Sunday, March 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born March 31, 1936 in Yadkin County to the late John Click and Lola Hayes Southard. JE and Jean Carol both trusted in our Lord and Savior, and attended First Baptist Church of Yadkinville and later moved their membership to Maplewood Baptist Church in Yadkinville. JE worked for Hanes Hosiery for 12 years and later retired in 1992 after a 23-year career with RJ Reynolds as a production supervisor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Verlene (Ralph) Jones; brothers, Sonny (Joyce) Southard and an infant brother, Jerry Southard; sister-in-law Scottie Sue (BH) Dinkins. Mr. Southard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean Carol Southard; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Toni) Adams of Carlsbad, CA; along with his sons, Johnny (Sue) Southard of Yadkinville, Byron (Becky) Southard of Lewisville; grandchildren, Kellie (Brad) Myers, Travis Southard, Jacob Southard, Jordan Southard; great-grandchildren, John Russell Southard, Ryker Glen Southard, Emma Ann Myers, Parker Reuben Myers; along with a niece and several nephews. JE was a huge sports fan and coached little league baseball while the boys were growing up. While his health was good, he was an avid golfer who loved spending time with his friends on the golf course and looked forward to trips to Myrtle Beach to play golf. He was also a true Carolina Tarheel Fan who never missed a game along with NASCAR and Wrestling which he would always joke saying it was the only Great American Sports left. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank his long-term care givers who provided great care of himself and Jean Carol the last several years, Ruth Ashley, Carmon Horn, Cindy Bullins, Elaine Styers, Sandra Windsor, Barbara Parker, Kathy Reece, and Annette Brooks along with the staff of Yadkin Nursing Center, Mtn. Valley Hospice, and Liberty Hospice. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Southard family.