Mr. Jimmy Ray Southern, 70, of Ellijay, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at Northside Cherokee Hospital.
He was born in Gilmer County Jan. 25, 1951, to the late Eulous Southern and Lemma Bearden Southern.
He was a retired lineman and member of Liberty Baptist Church.
He enjoyed visiting people and helping anyone that needed help. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and helping them with anything and everything they needed. He also loved the Lord.
He is preceded in death by brothers, Gene Southern, Bill Southern and Jerry Southern; sisters, Frankie Burnette and Shirley Ledbetter.
He is survived by wife of 51 years, Judy Southern; daughters, Tabatha Avery (John), Rachel Reece (John), and Lottie Davenport (Evan); brother, Mack Southern; sister, Irene Cox; grandchildren, Taner Reece (Sarah), Emily Reece, Peyton Avery, Kendal Avery, Josie Reece, Charlotte Davenport, and Harper Davenport; and one great-granddaughter, Blair Reece.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, from Liberty Baptist Church with the Rev. David Nicholson and the Rev. John Reece officiating.
Interment was in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Avery, John Reece, Taner Reece, Evan Davenport, Harper Davenport, John Mealor, Charles Chase and Jonathan Mullins.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mr. Southern.
Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.
Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.