Elkin Mr. Garvey Braxton Southard's life on earth ended at home on July 11, 2005 after many months of living with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Garvey was born in Surry County, North Carolina on August 23, 1918. He was the son of Charley Braxton and Callie Wall Southard. Garvey's parents were farmers. In 1937 he left the farm to work in a textile plant. During World War II, he served in the 705th Pipeline Engineering Division from 1945 to 1947 in Italy. While there, he toured Switzerland and other places of interest. He was discharged with a Good Conduct Medal. Garvey married Miss Emily Hon Holder on June 14, 1941. They built their home on Poplar Springs Road, north of Elkin in 1950 and remained there until his death. Garvey work at Chatham Manufacturing Company until retirement. He always grew a big garden which he enjoyed sharing with everyone he knew. He grew poultry for many years. He was a member of Bessie's Chapel Baptist Church and a member of Mountain Park Ruritan Club and a member of Mountain Park V.F.W. Post 11222. Garvey was a home bodied man, plain and kind. His word was his bond. He treasured his family, his neighbors, and his home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Phillip, Alfred, Joe and Roy Southard; a sister Mattie Calhoun. He is survived by his wife Emily of 64 years, three sisters-in-law, Vera, Lucille and Jerry Southard; eight nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews, three great-great nieces and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Bessie's Chapel Baptist Church by Rev. Ralph Groce and Chaplain Todd Byrd. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Southard will lie instate 30 minutes prior to the service. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Surry County 1326 N. Main Street, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or Bessie's Chapel Baptist Church c/o Jackie Holder 362 Bessie's Chapel Church Road, Elkin, NC 28621. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Southard family.
