Walter Clay Southern, 85, of Athens, died suddenly Monday, January 27, 2025, at his home. Born August 15, 1939, at Elgood, he was the son of the late Henry Armstrong Southern & Dorothy White Southern. Early in life, Walter moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where he worked for several large companies.  He returned to Mercer County in the early 70's to establish a business working with concrete. Walter was well known for his knowledge & ability to work with concrete for more than 40 years.  When he was a young man, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and dirt bikes. He also loved working in his garden, hunting and going to flea markets. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter in law, Shelia Lynn Southern along with four sisters and three brothers. Those left to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Frances Hartwell Southern, two children, Walter Clay Southern Jr., Carolyn Marie Howell & husband Michael. Two grandchildren Walter Clay Southern III & Grace Howell, three great grandchildren Kyle Klay Southern, Brady Kole Southern & Briar Bailey. Two siblings Clayton Southern & wife Judy, Sue Hall & husband Eugene along with a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastor Larry White & Sandy Via officiating. Burial will follow in White Cemetery on Pisgah Road near Princeton.  Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 2:00 P.M. until the service hour. Online condolence may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com . Serving as pallbearers will be Christian Bailey, Chase Robert, David Hubbard, Mike Howell, Ronnie Kinser, Larry Wayne Southern & Heath Moye. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.  The Southern family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.