Joseph "Wayne" Southers, Sr.

Joseph “Wayne” Southers, Sr., of Lula, GA, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024, at his home.

Wayne was born January 29, 1947, to Joseph David Southers and Mary Lois Peterson in Gainesville, GA. After attending Oakwood High School, he enlisted in the United States Army from which he received an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he worked for B&A Equipment as a heavy equipment mechanic and welder and also farmed land and livestock in Lula. 

Wayne is survived by a daughter Tammy Layton of Lula, sons Joseph Southers-Smith (Tony) of Charleston, SC, and David Southers-Pomeroy (Dwayne) of Murfreesboro, TN, a granddaughter Deborah Davis (J.D.) of Gainesville, GA, a grandson William Southers of Valdosta, GA, great-grandchildren Brantley, Kash, and Harper Davis, a sister Teri Holt of Gainesville, GA, and several nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Billy Southers, his granddaughter Ashley Southers, his brothers Larry and Ricky Southers and Danny Allison, a sister Shirley Lindenmeyer, and his nephew Keith King. 

Wayne is remembered as being a bit of a jokester. Those around him often found themselves to be unknowing victims of his good-natured jokes and couldn’t help but be pulled in by his contagious laughter. He loved farming and spending time working the land and tending to his livestock, but he was most passionate about his family. He was willing to do whatever he could to help those closest to him. He rarely ever met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone with whom he came into contact. 

Through difficult times in life, Wayne clung to Jeremiah 29:11: “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” He knew that whatever came his way, God had plans for his life, and those plans gave him cause to hope. While Wayne is no longer present with us, the same hope that was offered to him is offered to each of those who knew him and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday May 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at the Whitehall Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home Saturday May 25 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.