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William Leo "Ole" South

13 Apr 1922  /  20 Aug 2009

Last Update: 11 Feb 2011

April 13, 1922 - August 20, 2009   William Leo South (87) died peacefully at home in the early hours of 20 August. Leo was born in the Panhandle of Texas, but because of the Great Depression, his father, mother and three siblings migrated to California in search of better opportunities. Leo graduated from high school shortly before WW II. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and proudly served his country on the seas in the European and Pacific theaters of war. Married twice, Leo was preceded in death by Betty Grabe, and Ada Cortes. Each marriage lasted 25 years.   His survivors include his immediate family, son William "Bill" South (Susan) and grandson Brock. He leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and grandchildren of his extended Cortes family. Leo was a master welder and metal fabricator during his long working life.  He also was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and fished the extent of California.   Leo was a humorous and gentle man whose memory will be cherished by those he met. Our special thanks to Gordon South and his daughter, Cindy Scheib, for their generous support in Leo's medical and emotional care. A viewing will be held from 3-5pm on Saturday, August 22, at Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary, 5161 E. Arbor Rd., Long Beach 90808, 562-425-6401. Services will be held at St. Cornelius Church at 10am Monday, August 24, 5500 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, 562-421-8966. Interment will follow immediately at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Staging Area #4, Riverside CA 92581, 951-653-8417 or www.rncsc.org for information or directions. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Leo's name to American Merchant Marines Veterans, China Coasters Chapter, 440 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington CA 90744-5804, or the S.S. Lane Victory, Port of Los Angeles, or the Maritime Museum in San Pedro.   Photo's Page 1 Last Update:  28 Aug 2009 Photo's Page 2 Last Update:  28 Aug 2009 Photo's Page 3 Last Update:  28 Aug 2009 Photo's Page 4 Last Update:  28 Aug 2009 Photo's Page 5 Last Update:  28 Aug 2009 Messages from family and friends while in the hospital  Enter here Last Update:  11 Feb 2011 Rest in peace Leo