Carson Willis "Grasshopper" Southers, Jr., 71, of Natural Bridge, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at his home.

He was born in Rockbridge County on October 5, 1934, a son of the late Carson Willis Southers, Sr. and Pete "Shorte" Hostetter.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Buena Vista.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three grandchildren: Lee Jeffery Comer, Phillip Southers and Christopher Parker.

Mr. Southers is survived by his best friend, Shirley L. Southers of Lexington; two sons: Jeff Sourthers and Stephen Southers, both of Greenville; three daughters: Brenda Rogers of Buena Vista, Missi Southers of Smithfield and Crystal Wallace of Rockbridge County; stepchildren: Jennifer Matisans of Manassas, Travis and Kevin Parker of Luray, and Dawn Burke of Front Royal; 19 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his stepmother, Joe Southers; two brothers: Junior Southers of Lexington, Kenny Hostetter; and four sisters: Mary Plogger of Greenhill, Linda Bennington of Warsaw, "Jenny" of Lexington and Carolyn Nickols of Rockbridge County.

The family would like to say a special thanks to the nurses from Intrepid and Casandra from Americare for taking care of their father. The family will receive friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Buena Vista on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 from 6-8 p.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.