Marion Gale South

Musician Gale South, 53, dies
by Diane Matay
Florida Today

Rockleged -- Gale South, bassist for the country band Southern Thunder, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Wuesthoff Hopsital. He was 53.

Mr. South was born in Kennett, MO. He came to Brevard County in 1976 from Missouri to pursue his musical career with the Top 40 band Proof. His interest in music began in high school, when he played bass guitar and sang harmonies for various bands.

Mr. South performed at many benefit concertgs. he helped the Joe Realino Memorial Fund, which helps people who work in the hospitality industry and have medical problems.

"He was a loving and giving man," said his daughter, Christina South of Rockledge. "He wasn't extravagant; he would sacrifice anything for his family. Many times he would go without just so he could give to his children."

Mr. South also took care of his dear friend, Thomas "Sandy" Sanders, a disabled veteran.

With a flair for telling a joke, Mr. South could lighten up even the most serious of mements, his daughter said. He preferred laughing to arguing, and because he was fun-loving and a joker, "I would rather go out with him than with my firneds," she said.

In addition to his daughter,
survivors include his wife,
Georgia South of Cocoa;
daughters, Melissa South of Cocoa,
Lori Burke of San Jose, Calif.,
and Terri Johnson of Campbell, Calif;

brothers, James South of Glennie, Mich,
Max South of Flint, Mich.,
Joe South of Flusing, Mich,
and John South of Poplar Bluff, Mo.;

sisters, Martha Patton and Peggy Wright, both of St. Louis;
Burdeen Ridge of Lake City, Ark.,
and Juanita Rogers of Sacramento, Calif.;

and three grandchildren.

Calling hours are from 5 to 7 tonight at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home in Frontenac. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Brevard Memorial Park.