Richard "Dick" Lee Southard, 77, Tellico Village community, Loudon, passed away Dec. 21, 2012 at Parkwest Medical Center.
Dick was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tellico Village. He was active in church throughout his life and served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Dick's love for the Lord was evident throughout his life.
Dick was born in Tulsa, Okla. on March 1, 1935.  Early childhood years were spent in Tulsa, Ft. Worth, Texas, and Robinson, Ill. He graduated from Robinson High School at the top of his class and earned his Eagle Scout badge there. He served in the U.S. Army and Reserves for eight years.
He attended the University of Illinois and later graduated from Ohio Northern University Summa Cum Laude with a degree in electrical engineering.
Dick retired after 30 years service with IBM where he moved from sales to management, eventually becoming a director of operations (banking systems division) with assignments as far away as Tokyo, Japan and Stuttgart, Germany, where he developed many lasting friendships.
Dick was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed the outdoors, lakeside living and such activities as camping, skiing, traveling and golfing. His family was central to his life, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Dick was loved for his sense of humor, his storytelling and his generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents Garrison A. Southard and Julia Rebecca Mullens Southard. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Shirley Southard; children Richard Brent (Celeste) of Clawson, Mich., Scott Alan of Raleigh, N.C., Jonathan Eric (Heather) of Bedford, Va., Suzanne Lynn Slagle (Chris) of St. Louis, Mo.; grandchildren James, Thomas, Mary, Seth, Jason and Ryan; siblings Garrison A. Southard Jr. (Sue), Julia A. Hainen (Gene) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 at First Baptist Church Tellico Village with a celebration of life to follow at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either First Baptist Church of Tellico Village, or to assist in the care of Dick's grandson who suffers from autism. Checks for Dick's grandson may be made to Brent Southard (father), 1117 Key West, Clawson, Mich. 48017.
Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Dick Southard. www.clickfuneralhome.com