William Earl Southard, Jr., 55, of Abilene died Sunday, November 24, 2019 at his home. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at the Tye Cemetery with Rev. Sherry Lyle officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

William was born May 19, 1964 in Missouri to William Earl Southard, Sr. He graduated from the Maters Learning Institute in Tye. He moved to Abilene from Columbus, Ohio in 2000.  William was a self-employed painter and a member of the First Gospel International Church.

He is survived by his wife Johnnie of Abilene; three sons, William Earl, III, Robert and family and T.J. and family, all of Abilene; two daughters, Susan and family of Abilene and Barbara and family of St. Matthews, South Carolina and many other relatives and friends.