Obituary of Ernest "Lee" Southard, Jr.

ALEXANDER   – Ernest “Lee” Southard, Jr. age 60, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022.

Lee was born on June 17, 1961, in Rockingham County North Carolina, to Ramona Barnard Southard and the late Ernest Southard, Sr.; he was a resident of Buncombe County for most of his life.   Lee was employed by M.B. Haynes Corporation for 37 years and they were like family to him.  He was a family man and a real people person.  He was an avid fisherman and camper.  He loved spending time at the lake. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his niece, Samantha Radford.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years Mary Ellen Southard; mother, Ramona Southard; son, Adam Lee Southard and wife Sarah; daughter, Krystal Southard;  grandson, Malachi Southard;  brothers, David Southard and wife Terri and Tracy Southard; as well as several nieces and nephews; and special family, Gene and Janet Radford.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home with the Reverend Ricky Wolfe officiating.   Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. 

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville.

Those who choose, may listen to the service on their car radio by tuning into FM 87.7, while in the parking lot of the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated, or please consider a donation in Lee’s honor to Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund, 929 North Turkey Creek Road, Leicester, NC 28748.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Lee’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.