William R. Southwell

Bill Southwell a lifelong resident of Warren County and a man with a distinct love for life, friends, family, speed, and the oil field was born to the late Russell P. Southwell and Maggie Summerville on May 9, 1942, Bill spent his entire life in the county he loved, making his mark as a successful, hardworking, self-employed Independent Oil & Gas producer.

While he worked hard, Bill knew how to play hard, too. He had a true need for speed and a competitive spirit, spending many years as a dirt track car owner and behind the wheel racing. When he wasn’t racing himself, he was cheering on his son, Butch, or his favorite NASCAR drivers.

But beneath the heart of a racer was a passionate man. Bill loved his animals, especially his dogs. He raised and cared for many over the years, finding genuine joy in every one. He was also a man who loved good company and a good story, especially when the story might not be 100% true. This was evident by his memberships in the Warren Elks Lodge #223, the Chub Club of Warren, and the spirited “Liars Club” of North Carolina.

On June 16, 1961, Bill married his best friend, Judith “Jude” Ballard. They spent 48 years together until her passing in October 2008. During those 48 years, they had many adventures that only Bill could have created, including the North Carolina house and Lake Willie. Since Jude’s passing, Bill always felt that a part of him was missing.

It is no surprise to anyone who knew Bill, that his Life song was “My Way” sung by Elvis, as Bill truly lived life His Way to the very end.

Bill’s spirit lives on through his large and loving family. He is survived by his four children, Patti Southwell-Mahood, Butch Southwell (Cathy), Susan Justham (Doug), and Jill Southwell-Stoltz ( Damian Bauer).

Bill left behind grandchildren, Brook Lindell Benton (Josh), Brandon Lindell, Tanner Mahood, Haley Mahood (Christian Falvo), Sarah Lyon (Kyle), Jamison Justham (Kayla), Benjamin Justham (Maddie), Noah Justham, Samantha Stoltz, and Storm Stoltz and great-grandchildren Bowen Lindell, Baisley and Josie Benton, Isaac Lyon, Finnegan and Whitaker Justham, Layna and Ardyn Falvo.

Bill also left behind his sister Mary Jane Dersam and his half-siblings Mona Wolcott, Linda Haner, Larry Southwell, Becky Hitchcock, Madeline Southwell, and Rosie Southwell.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Jude, his granddaughter Paula Southwell, his sister Betty Mott, and his half-brother Bub Southwell.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Warren Cancer Center for the kindness, care, and attention they showed Bill during his illness.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family, with burial taking place at Warren County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Bill’s love for animals and community by donating to:

An Animal Rescue of your choice

OR

Hospice of Warren County (1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365)

Online condolences may be shared at www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com or on our Facebook Page.

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., has been entrusted for the final funeral arrangements.