Obituary of William C. Southwell

William C. Southwell passed away February 1st at the age of 95

Bill was born June 13th 1927 in Falls City, Oregon to parents Clinton and Thelma Southwell.  He was the oldest of three boys.

Bill grew up in the Siletz area.  After graduating from Siletz High School in 1945 Bill enlisted in the Navy.  He was sent to Great Lakes, Michigan for fighter pilot training.  The war ended before his training was completed. He was then transferred to Arlington Virginia and worked as a clerk in Naval intelligence at the Pentagon.

Bill married his sweetheart Aletha Stewart in 1950.  Daughter Diana was born in 1952 and Patti in 1954.  In 1956 the family moved to Eugene where Bill started his 35 year career in the plywood industry.  First at Cabac Plywood, then at Barker Willamette,  and he retired from Lane Plywood in 1990.

After retirement Bill turned his hobby of collecting guns, knives, tools, and antiques into a side hustle  He would clean up the items he purchased and resell them at the Eugene Picc-A-Dilly and at the Purple Pelican in Florence. He had a reputation around town as the go to tool guy.

Aside from hitting every garage sale in town Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, watching Beaver football, women's basketball, and golf.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Larry Southwell of Toledo, brother Joe Southwell of Siletz, and grandson Brian Miller of Springfield.

Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years Aletha, daughter Diana (Jim) O'Neil of Eugene, daughter Patti (Steve) Miller of Springfield, and granddaughter Aubrey Miller of Springfield.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 11:30 am on February 13th at  Musgrove Mortuary 225 S. Danebo Ave Eugene. A lunch will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers,  please consider donating to Greenhill Humane Society, or St. Vincent de Paul.