William “Kent” Southard

William “Kent” Southard, 75, of Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Born in Lake County, Florida on December 9, 1946, he was the son of the late William Gordon Southard and Katie Tallent Southard.  Kent was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, served as a NC State Trooper, and retired as a Lieutenant with NC Dept. of Corrections – IMPACT West.  He enjoyed doing anything outside and demonstrated his love and reverence for God through his special love for animals and nature.

Kent is survived by his wife, Sharon Ward Southard; sons, Sgt. Jamie Hastings, NCSHP and wife, Crystal, and CH (MAJ) Jason Southard, USA and wife, Angela; grandchildren, Tyler Hastings, Paige Southard Hollandsworth and husband, SSgt. Nathan Hollandsworth, USAF, and 2^nd Lt. Ryan Southard, USA; great-granddaughter, Everly Hollandsworth; brother, Jack Southard and wife, Connie, of Bryson City, NC; and the mother of his children, Kay Saulmon.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022 at West Lenoir Baptist Church with Pastor Rick Safriet officiating.  A private graveside service will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disable American Veterans, Chapter #43, 2779 DAV Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.