Community volunteer Southard dies

Jace Radke

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 10:55 a.m.

During his half century in Las Vegas, William Southard held many jobs, but his passion was in the service he provided to local charities and organizations.

Southard, 79, died Sunday in Las Vegas, leaving behind a legacy of service including key roles with the Salvation Army and Boy Scouts of America.

"He was an entrepreneur who would start a business, and then move on to a new challenge, but his heart was always in service," said Sara Southard, his wife of 25 years. "His leadership ability and his support of the community were just part of who he was."

Southard was born Dec. 5, 1923, in Woodlawn, Md. He served in the Army training soldiers during World War II. After leaving the Army as a lieutenant, Southard attended Idaho State University and then moved to Las Vegas.

He worked as a marketing consultant, real estate broker, and for the YESCO sign company.

"He designed the first three dimensional electric signs in Las Vegas," Sara Southard said. "The silver slipper on top of the Silver Slipper hotel and the sheik on top of the Dunes were among the signs he designed.

"He said he based the silver slipper on the shoe of his secretary. Of course her foot wasn't that big."

Southard was a past chairman of the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Commission and also served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army of Las Vegas. In September he was awarded lifetime membership to the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

Among his achievements with the Salvation Army was organizing the first Scouting for Food drive that teamed Boy Scouts with the charity.

He was also awarded the Silver Beaver award for his work as the council commissioner for the Boulder Dam Area Council-Boy Scouts of America. Southard was also a past president and member of the Las Vegas Rotary Club and past president of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Nevada.

In his later years, Southard, a diabetic, developed heart problems that had forced him into the hospital twice recently, his wife said.

He is survived by his wife, Sara; two sons, Scott Southard of Lake Tahoe, Calif., and James Southard of Las Vegas; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. The family asks that donations be made to the Salvation Army or the Boy Scouts.