Oneonta - Gary H. Southern, 79, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born October 20, 1930 in Oneonta, the son of Robert and Margaret (Rowe) Southern.

Gary married Mary Zimmerman on August 4, 1951 in Luzerne, PA.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1949-1951.

Gary was the machine shop supervisor at Oneonta Tire and Auto for over 30 years. He also worked for Van's Auto and owned and operated Southern Body Shop for 15 years, building motor homes and boats.

He had a profound love for his cats and enjoyed woodworking.

He was a pilot and owned his own airplane.

Gary is survived by his wife Mary Southern of Oneonta; 3 daughter's, Sherry and her fiancé, Ron Miller of Gettysburg, PA, Sandra Hotaling and her husband, Roger of Davenport and Suzette Genza and her husband, Oleh of Clayton, NC; 6 grandchildren, Theresa Hernandez, Annmarie Hoag and her husband, Doug, Michael Hernandez and his wife, Jennifer, Roger Escobar Jr., Sara Lotterman and her husband, Mike and Ashley Bolton and her husband, Michael; 7 great-grandchildren, Monica, Robert, Ryan, Natasha, Hunter, Angel and Kayla; his brother, Edgar Southern of Cleweston, FL; his sister, Nancy Hogan and her husband, Ed of Oneonta; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta with Deborah Sager officiating.

Calling hours will be held Friday, January 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at the funeral home.

Burial with military honors will take place Noon, Monday, April 26, 2010 at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Contribution s may be made in loving memory of Gary to the SPCA, 4845 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or the Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Activities Fund, 330 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home in Oneonta is serving the family.