Thomas Edward Southard, 64, of Mathews, Virginia, passed away on August 7, 2026. He was a loving brother, lover of family history, life of the party, funny storyteller, proud Marine Corps veteran—“once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Born in Alexandria, Virginia, on August 12, 1961 to George Lee and Marilyn Edel Southard, he is survived by his father, George Lee; brothers, Jeffrey Lee (Camille), William Todd (Trish) and Brian Keith Southard, and six nieces and nephews.
A 1980 graduate of North Brunswick Township High School, North Brunswick, N.J., he was a beloved friend and classmate to many, and a defensive tackle who punched above his weight on the gridiron. Upon graduation, Tom served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps, completing his Mediterranean deployment, and later having the honor of serving at “the oldest post in the Corps” Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., as a member of the elite “8th & I” Color Guard unit, also known as “The Commandant’s Four.” Duties included rendering military honors by presenting the national colors and Battle Colors at major military and civic ceremonies in the Nation’s Capital, including the White House, Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, joint service ceremonies, and the Sunset and Evening Parades.
He lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he attended Colorado State University, later working as a house painter, did tree trimming and removal, and worked in the restaurant industry.
Tom was known by friends and family for his fun-loving lifestyle, storytelling, and his love of family, King and Queen County, Virginia, and his country.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Saint Stephens Baptist Church, Saint Stephens Church, Va. (804) 769-8833. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be given in Tom’s honor to: Marine Corps Veterans Association (marinevets.org); Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarrior.org); Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org); Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society (gmhumanesociety.org).