Joseph South, Jr.

Joseph Ferris “Joe” South Jr, 79 of Beaumont, Texas passed away on February 8th, 2018. He was born on July 15th, 1938 at Hotel Dieu and remained a lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from South Park High School in 1956 where he played football for the “Greenies.” Joe served his country and community in the United States Marine Corps. He married Alicia Rose Picou in 1959 and fathered three children. He was one of the first employees hired at the opening of the Goodyear Plant in Beaumont and retired after 40 years of service. Some of his best memories at Goodyear were spent over long lunch “hours” with close co-workers Royce Mathews, Bill Brumley, and Bobby Spence. Aside from his career, he was a pilot and enjoyed many hours of flight with friends and family in his Mooney and Cessna airplanes. He officiated football, baseball, softball and volleyball for over 50 years. His officiating career took him from local athletics on to the NCAA and MLB. He took classes from Beaumont PD to become certified with the Citizen’s Police Academy. He also took numerous classes through the NRA to become a Range Safety Officer and assist in teaching all facets of safe firearm operating techniques.

Joe never met a stranger and had friends from all walks of life. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his good friends Guy Stonecipher, Truett Smith, James Brunson, and Chief E.L. McCoy. He loved taking his children, grandchildren and anyone who showed the slightest interest to the gun range and teaching them how to shoot like a Marine. He was an avid gun enthusiast and enjoyed shooting at the Golden Triangle Gun Club with local A Girl and a Gun facilitator Doc Marion Mayer. He and his wife Susan enjoyed 32 years with their blended family traveling coast to coast in their RV, on hunting trips, and cruises. His biggest pleasure was being “Pawpaw” and giving out candy that he called “medicine.” He loved Doberman Pinschers and leaves his 13 year old Allie girl to comfort her “momma” in his absence.

Joe had a special relationship with his physicians and healthcare providers, including Dr. Daniel Harris, Dr. Leigh Harvey, Dr. Muhammad Aziz.

Joe is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan Brumley; former spouse, Alicia Picou Harvey, sons, Joseph Ferris South III and wife Tamera; David Michael South and wife Anna; John Paul Courts and wife Alisa; and Scott Coffman; daughters, Catherine Elizabeth South and partner Dr. Marion Mayer; Christy Chapman and husband Cheyenne; daughter, Marsha South; brother, Thomas South and wife Charlotte; 25 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.    

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ferris South Sr., and mother Catherine Elizabeth Cuchia South.

A gathering of Mr. South’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 12, 2018, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2200 Space Park Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77058; or to the 100 Club of Jefferson County, P.O. Box 3405, Beaumont, Texas 77704.