Final Salute

Gary Douglas Souther, 77, of Fletcher NC passed away April 20, 2025, after declining health.
He was born on October 20, 1947, to the late Willard Souther and Edna Souther Lewis.
Gary was also preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Souther and his wife, Lois Souther; stepfather, James Lewis; and son-in-law, David Cruse.
Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Orren Souther. They had one daughter, Mary Cruse (Missi) of Hendersonville; granddaughters, Celeste Cutshaw (Jamie) of Fletcher, Kersten Fisher (Brandon) of Fletcher; a great grandson Dayton Dills; and great granddaughters Anabelle Messer and Stella Fisher. He was so proud of all of them.
Gary is also survived by his sister, Cindy Allison of Zirconia and her children; and Brian Craig of Fletcher and his family.
Gary was a United Stated Navy “Fighting Seabee” Vietnam Veteran. He served his country with pride; we salute him for that.
Gary loved music. He could play anything with strings. He was a member of the “Olde Tyme pickers” Sherrylynn & gang. He picked with many others as well.
Gary loved hunting and fishing, the stories he had to tell. A special thanks goes out to Kelly Allison and Brian Craig for taking him deer, rabbit, and bird hunting and all the fishing when he couldn’t go by himself. Special thanks to Jerry Cunningham for all the hunts they went on in all the years together, and thanks to anyone else he ever shared those memories with.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in the chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Hwy 70, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
At Garys request, there will be no formal visitation, but the family will accept visitors if you would like to stop by the family home.
In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family respectfully asks that a donation be made to the charity or church of your choosing.

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