Billy Joe South, 77, went to be with the Lord Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Courtyards Community Living Center. He was born October 23, 1935 in Itawamba County to Troy and Clocile Dulaney South. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1953 until his discharge January 4, 1964. He married Nelda Summerford October 19, 1956. His only child, Billy Fred, was born in Fulton in 1958. He opened Amoco Service Station on October 28, 1965. He started his towing service shortly after in 1967. Over the years he had 3 different partners, Paul Summerford, James South, and Finis Pearce. He later turned over the reins to his grandson, Jordan South. He helped organize Dorsey Friendship Fire Department in 1986 and served as a volunteer firefighter until his passing. He was also a member and great supporter of Splunge Hunting Club.
He was a good Christian man and loved his community. He was the rock of his family, was a loving and devoted husband, and loved his son, daughter in law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was awarded the Itawamba County Good Citizen Award in 1998. He is a member of Harden’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He will be remembered by those who love him for his kindness and generosity. He lived life to the fullest every day, always had a joke to tell, and loved attending IAHS football games. Throughout the years, he greatly enjoyed showing horses, raising horses, and tending to South Farms.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Nelda South, of Fulton; one son, Billy Fred South (Sandi) of Fulton; three grandchildren, Brandi Kent (Jamie), Jordan South (Andrea), and Chandler South, all of Fulton. He also leaves 3 very special great-grandchildren, Carsten Kent, Delainey Kent, and Hanley South. Delainey was born on her Gran Gran’s 76th birthday, October 23 2011. He was also survived by his brother, James (Bammie)South; uncle, Pete Dulaney (Shirlene); aunt, Theola Grissom; and a host of very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Summerford, Rodney Summerford, Joel Summerford, Matthew Rock, Brock Pearce, Chip Prestage, Caeser Harrara, and Joe “Pooh” Taylor.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Tombigbee Electric Power Association employees, members of Dorsey Friendship Fire Department, Bill Milner, David Cole, Wayne Vail, Boyce McNeece, Teddy Bouchilon, J.W. Beasley, Wayne Thorn, Tom Douglas, Mackey Wade, Mike Deaton, Russ Gordon, and Skip Buchanan.
