
Wesley Earl Southall, most lovingly known as “Papa Earl” and “Busman” met Jesus, face to face on the evening of Monday, November 18, 2024 at the age of 86. When he breathed his final breath on this earth, the love of his life, his devoted wife of 53 years, Shirley Scott Southall, was by his side. Earl and Shirley met in September 1970, through a mutual friend, and were married four months later. They purchased a house in Charlotte Court House VA, and established a Christian home where they raised 3 girls: Beverley Southall Bailey of Powhatan, Elizabeth Irby Davis (Joe) of Drakes Branch, and Patricia Southall Crump (Kyle) of Red Oak.
Earl was born on May 21, 1938 to Earl Carter “Dick” and Sarah Ruth Southall in Prince Edward County VA, both of whom have preceded him in death. He was raised on a farm where he was involved in a tragic hay mowing accident at the age of 6 years old. His family nursed him back to health, including his two younger sisters, Margaret Southall Held Burroughs and Frances Southall Wright. Margaret also predeceased her brother, but Frances (Harold) resides in Tarboro, NC. Earl never let his resultant limp get him down, working on the farm most of his younger life. He then worked at Tolley’s in Pamplin VA briefly before moving to Charlotte County where he joined the Transportation Department of Charlotte County Public Schools better known as the “bus shop” where he served faithfully for 33 years, before retiring to his own shop where he continued to serve the community by repairing all types of cars and most dear to his heart, widow’s lawn mowers.
Earl and Shirley were both raised in Christian homes, and they likewise provided their girls with a strong Christian foundation, joining Drakes Branch Baptist Church in 1976, where Earl served as a Deacon, bus driver, youth chaperone, and numerous committees. Anyone who had something that needed fixing, only needed to call Earl.
Earl was an active member of the Phenix Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years, serving as captain for 10 of those years, and remained an honorary lifetime member. He was a Charlotte County FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer, but he is probably more known for his gardening skills, as he farmed about an acre of fresh vegetables every year, often using his circa 1950 Farmall 140 tractor that he rebuilt himself, sharing his harvest with the community at large.
As much as he loved his friends and neighbors, the apples of his eye were his grandchildren: Justin Beagle (Allison), Sarah Beagle, Dillon Beagle (Elizabeth), Noah Davis (Julia), Lydia Hester (Will), Anna Jones (Keyvon), Rachel Davis, and Wesley Crump (Amber) and great-grandchildren: Jayce Beagle, Gannon McCoy, Everett Davis, Peyton Beagle, Joshua Davis, Dallas Beagle, Thomas Davis, and Silas Crump. Papa Earl would light up when they visited, called, or even at the mention of their names. Also surviving Earl are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even several great-great nieces and nephews. He loved holidays and all family events, such as the 55+ gallon stew-making, using many of his home-grown vegetables to fill the freezers, and the annual Templeton family reunion established by his mother and her siblings in 1963, which is still held in August each year.
Most recently, however, Earl longed to go Home. We can only imagine that for the first time in 80 years, he was able to run… run to see his heavenly Father, to hear Him say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
A service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23 at Drakes Branch Baptist Church at 11 am. A graveside service of internment will follow at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Pamplin, VA at 1 pm. Family will receive friends at the home. If you desire to honor Earl’s memory, please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, Charlotte County FFA, your local fire department or a children’s hospital of your choice. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.
Condolence Messages
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Rhonda Stockton Rowland
I have known Earl a long time, and he certainly was a kind and God fearing gentleman. May God bless all his family members and friends with many fond memories!
Shelia and Donnie Hazelwood
Such a nice, nice man. His love for his Lord, and Savior was obvious to all. He was a true Christian man whose life mirrored his deep faith . I pray the thought of “Papa Earl” walking the streets of Gold, pain free, illness free, brings comfort to family and friends You were a great example to us all Mr. Southall – Thank you!
Shirley Childrey Robinett
Papa Earl Southall …. You were an amazing man. A great bus driver for our church trips, second Daddy, great advice, lead by example, loved us ALL, & was a family man, like no other! You will be missed! Even though I hadn’t seen you in forever, you stayed with me & my heart. You & Mama Shirley, always took care of us kids, especially when we went to Maryland, like we were just one of your own… Because we were! You changed our lives & left a legacy, not only with your amazing family, but with the impact you made in us, The Branches of the Vine. We will love you forever! We know where you are going, & will meet you there! Rest easy!
Mama Shirley, Patricia, Beverly, & Liz… I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. My love & prayers are truly with you! Charles Held, I’m also sorry to you! Love you ALL! ❣️
L.A. Tony Epps
Sincere Condolences to the family
Becky mills
sending love and hugs.what a beautiful family. I know he will be missed. may you all be comforted by knowing he is at peace with the Lord. love to all. Eric and Becky Mills
MARK ANTHONY FEARS
PRAYERS
Hazel Harrison
Loved you so much Earl. We grew up together. We counjtry folk had some good times
Dexter Andrews
Earl and I were fellow firefighters together for many years He was a dedicated member and kept the trucks serviced and running. The Lord didn’t make any men better than Earl. Sincere condolences to Shirley and the rest of the family. God bless
Liz Clark Lee
Praying for the family during such a loss. His legacy of love will remain the treasure it always was. Love to you all. He was good to everyone…a true example of a Godly man. ✝️❤️
Guy Hargrave
A beautiful obituary. My prayers are with the family.
Jimmie DIX
The Southall family, I am praying for you all. Mr Southall was truly a blessing to all people, very kind. I use to enjoy our conversations after Church. Such a kind and loving deacon. Mr Southall will always be remembered. May God bless you all, and comfort you during you during this time.
The Dix Family ( Jimmie, Joey, and Heather)