Billy John "BJ" South (83) of Newton

Billy John (BJ) South, 83, of Newton, Illinois, and former resident of Niceville, Florida, and Shawneetown, Illinois, passed away at 9:10pm – Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at HSHS St Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

BJ was born October 2, 1935, in Shawneetown, Illinois, the son of Elmer E. and Ruth (Victory) South Sr.  He is a 20+ year retired Air Force veteran and served 2 years in Vietnam. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Order of The Wounded Herky.  He loved his family, his country, the staff at the Villas of Holly Brook, and his pinochle and bingo group. BJ was also a faithful and active member of AmVets of Valparaiso, Florida, and the American Legion post 221 of Niceville, Florida.  

BJ was preceded in death by his loving wife, Faith M. (Lange) South, and his parents Elmer E. and Ruth (Vickory) South Sr., and brother Elmer (Bud) E. South, Jr.    

He is survived by his 4 children, Mr. and Mrs. David & Tammy (South) Michl, Mr. and Mrs. Robert & Doris South, Mr. William South and Ms. Janet Menke, Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Rob) & Rachel (South) Barnett. Grandchildren: Joshua (Rosa) Clasby, Raymond (Cheryl) Michl, Jeremy (Jill) Michl, Laura (Chris) Weldon, Jessica Collins, Dave Michl Jr, Jennifer South, Jason South, Tammie Ware, Roger Ware, James South, Evan (Laura) Lederman, Dylan (Anisia) Stephenson, James Barnett, and Bailey Barnett; 22 great-grandchildren, 8 nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

There will be a time of visitation held on Friday, February 1 from 1-2pm at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery in Niceville, Florida, with funeral services beginning at 2pm. He will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Faith M. (Lange) South of 53 years. His wife Faith M. South passed away on January 22, 2009, exactly 10 years prior to BJ's date of death. Local arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.

You may go online to offer condolences to the family and sign the guestbook by clicking here. Heritage Gardens Funeral Home of Niceville is entrusted with the arrangements.