John Paul Souther

Mr. John Paul Souther, 91, died at his home Friday, August 18, 2006.

Mr. Souther was born the son of Jeptha Freeman Souther and Mintie Dyer Souther of Choestoe, Georgia. He was one of nine children,

He was a distinguished World War II, veteran, local businessman and noted Georgia author. Mr. Souther turned his combat experience in WWII and his early life on a Blue Ridge mountain farm into two popular non-fiction accounts that found a ready market among servicemen and their families worldwide, as well as north Georgians. Mr. Souther actively promoted both books, giving numerous presentations to civic, school, community and military organizations. In addition to writing and speaking activities, Mr. Souther served as the past president of the Lyman Hall Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, was a lifetime member of the Gainesville BPOE, the First United Methodist Church, the Gainesville Men's Garden Club and many other civic and social organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Parks Souther; son, William Parks Souther and daughter in-law, Sandra Gilmer Souther; and grandson, Dr. Jonathan Mark Souther, professor of history at Cleveland State University and his wife,

Stacey Shull Souther;

daughter, Lynn Souther

Godshall of Atlanta and

her husband, Jacob

William Godshall; sister, Eva Souther Frazier of Suches, Ga.; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 2 p.m. Dr. Hugh Cauthen and Dr. Terry Walton officiated. There was a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road NE, Gainesville, Georgia 30506. Members of the Open Door Sunday School Class, Lyman Hall Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, Lanier Mens Garden Club and Korean War Veterans are asked to sit as a group for the memorial service. Mason and Ward Funeral Home, Gainesville, Georgia.