Gerald Franklin "Frank" Southern Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gerald Franklin “Frank” Southern, 77, of LaFayette, Georgia entered into rest Thursday, May 20, 2021, having laid down the working tools of life. Frank was born September 11, 1943, in DeKalb County, Alabama and grew up in meager times. He had lived in the North Georgia area for most of his life and was a member of The Church of God; The Gospel Assembly Church in Chickamauga. He developed a loved for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. Frank was a Veteran of the United States Army, having enlisted at the tender age of 17, and then went on to became a drill sergeant during his eight-year enlistment. Frank laughed that he was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. He worked as a roofer, carpenter, plumber, taxi-driver, textile laborer, gas station clerk, and also as an operator at a couple of rock crushing facilities. These opportunities gave Frank a very well-rounded character, and he was able to strike up and hold a conversation with anyone. Aside from this, Frank’s love for God and his family could be witnessed from all of those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Ralph & Bertha Henderson Southern, Sr.; son, Gerald Southern, Jr. and two step-sons, Bobby Collins and Troy Collins. Frank is survived by his loving wife of more than 52 years, Leona Akers Southern; children, Deanna (Tony) Marquis, Carrie (Gary) Camp, Patricia Southern, Carolyn (Blue) Parker, Thomas (Nikki) Southern, Mary (Jeff) Newport, Tony (Lacee) Southern, Paula (Quanah) Miller, Melva (Sammy) Ponders, Mickey (Christine) Collins, Dale Collins, Jackie (SueAnn) Collins, Debbie (Raymond) Davidson, Tony (Weothavy) Collins, and Connie Collins. Siblings; Tony (Pat) Southern, Sandra Proctor, Wanda Bethune, Al Southern Jr., Betty (Dwayne) Hilley, also a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many more family and friends. Job 14:7-15 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 24, 2021 at The Church of God; The Gospel Assembly, 14251 GA-193, Chickamauga, GA, with Minister Evans Parker officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. on Saturday, 5 – 7 p.m. on Sunday and prior to the service on Monday at the church. Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes, LaFayette Chapel, LaFayette, Georgia.