Walter Allen South, age 83, of Columbia, TN passed away Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN. He was a native of Lawrence County, TN, retired from the V. A. Medical Center in Nashville, TN as a plumber/pipefitter, and of the Church of Christ faith. Mr. South was also a member of the Maury County Senior Citizens Center and a former member of the Lawrence County Classic Car Club.
In March of 1948, Walter and his older brother, Melvin, and younger brother, John, joined the Army together in the state of Michigan. It was the first time in the history of the State that three brothers joined the Army on the same day. They were inducted in Dearborn, MI. Mr. South served our country honorably in the U.S. Army for 13 1/2 years. During that time, he served in the Korean Conflict for 18 months. He was also in France in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While serving in the Army, Mr. South received numerous awards which include: a Korean Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Geneva Convention Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal just to name a few. He was also very proud of his service with the early stages of the Rocket Research and Development Program of the U.S. Space Program at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. There, he helped develop the first rocket fuel while working as a Laboratory Technician with the German Scientists.
His parents were the late James A. and Lucy S. Guttery South. Mr. South was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ada B. Buie and Lucille Brown; four brothers, Theo, Ford, Melvin, and John South; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other beloved relatives.
He is survived by:
Wife – Carol A. South, Columbia, TN
Son – Robert (Kim) South, Norcross, GA
Daughter – Shirley (Roy) Hood, Milton, TN
Son – Marvin (Sheila) South, Seminole, FL
Grandson – Ryan Hood, Milton, TN
Granddaughter – Emily Hood, Milton, TN
2 Step-Granddaughters –
Genevieve (Spencer) Weinkle, New York, NY
Melissa (Andrew) Palomares, New York, NY
Several beloved Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins also survive.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive family and friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, September 06, 2013 at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 07, 2013, with Greg Gwin officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN with full military honors. The family would like to suggest donations be made to the Salvation Army in honor of Mr. South.
