Richard Isaac Southall

Richard Isaac Southall, affectionately known as "Preacher," was born on October 16, 1944, in Franklin, Tennessee, to the late Oss and Susie V. (Petway) Southall. He peacefully departed this life on May 14, 2025, at the age of 80.

Richard was the third eldest of nine children, five girls and four boys, and the oldest of the four brothers in the Southall family. From a young age, he was known for his passion for sharing the word of God, talking to anyone that would listen earning him the lifelong nickname "Preacher."

He received his education in the Williamson County Public School System and graduated from Natchez High School in 1965. While at Natchez, Richard excelled as a defensive lineman on the Panthers football team, helping lead them to a championship during the 1963-1964 school year. His aggressive style and fierce play on the field earned him a reputation as a formidable athlete with the potential for a promising future in college football, truly a beast on the gridiron. Unfortunately, an injury sustained during his high school career, requiring major knee surgery, curtailed his prospects for college football, but his legacy of resilience remained.

Following high school, Richard dedicated over three decades of service to the U.S. Tobacco Company, exemplifying hard work, commitment, and integrity before retiring. Though his marriage ended in divorce he remained a proud father to his only child, beloved son Richard Chevalier Southall, whose growth and success he influenced to become the man he is today.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Oss and Susie V. (Petway) Southall; his sister Minnie L. (Southall) Patton; and his brothers Joe T. Southall and Tony L. Southall.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved son, Richard Chevalier (Karen) Southall; grandchildren Marcuz (Kimmy) Southall and Deyon Southall; great- grandchild Israel Southall; his loving siblings Clara E. Watkins, Josie M. Jones, Martha A. Ellison, Jane G. Smith, and James G. "Bubba" Southall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Richard Isaac Southall's life was a testament to perseverance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.