Sonny Gray Southard

East Bend – Sonny Gray Southard, 80, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023.  He was born February 5, 1943 in Yadkin County to the late John and Lola Hayes Southard.  Sonny was a member at Friendship Baptist Church.  He retired from RJ Reynolds after 30 plus years of service.  He also owned and operated Triangle Custom Framing and Triangle TV and Satellite.  Sonny enjoyed coaching, but his pride and joy was watching his grandkids play sports.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Colie Southard; sister, Verlene Jones.  Surviving is his wife, Norma Jean Leonard Starling Southard; sons, Chris (Lisa) Southard, Michael (Melanie) Southard; step-daughter, LaDonna (Mark) Williams; grandchildren, Sinjun Southard, Skylar Southard, Jared Williams, Corey Williams; brother, J.E. (Jean Carol) Southard.  His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Friendship Baptist Church by the Rev. Vann Harrell and the Rev. Anthony Gordy.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, December 8, 2023 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend.  Memorials can be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 4744 Siloam Road, East Bend, NC  27018.  Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend is serving the Southard family.  Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.