RORY LEE SOUTHER, age 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer surrounded by family and friends. He was born on January 14, 1957, in Washington Court House, Ohio, the son of William E., Jr. and Frances Souther. On November 6, 1986, he married the former Vera Schultz of West Palm Beach, Florida, who survives.

Rory was a 1975 graduate of Washington Senior High School, 1979 graduate of Miami University, and a 1988 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He completed a 20-year Navy career in 2000, retiring as a Commander (O-5). A Supply Corps officer by trade, he spent the majority of his military career in and around submarines, serving as Supply Officer in USS Sunfish (SSN649) and USS Georgia (SSBN729); Deputy Material Requirements Officer at Charleston Naval Shipyard; Comptroller of Submarine Base New London; Staff Plans Officer at Alaskan Command, Anchorage, Alaska; and Business-Financial Manager at Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC.

After leaving the Navy, Rory worked as a consultant for several years, including at the FAA during 9/11, before entering the federal civil service with the Department of Homeland Security, US Coast Guard in 2007, where he served as the Chief, Office of Resource Management for 15 years. After 30 years in the DC area, he relocated to Washington Court House in 2024.

Rory was an active stamp collector and was a life member of the Anchorage Philatelic Society and the Springfield (VA) Stamp Club. He served as treasurer of the Springfield club for 12 years and worked part time as a stamp dealer for Long Island Philatelics, Smithtown, NY.

In addition to his loving wife of 39 years, Rory was the proud father of and is survived by three daughters, Stefanie (Alex) Bittner, Rebecca Souther (Dylan Mersinger), and Jennifer (Chris Wagner), as well as two grandsons, William and Calvin Bittner. He is also survived his sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Harry Haines, as well as his niece, Amber Haines-Sollars, cousin, Tanya (Kingery) Speakman, and several other cousins and close friends.

Friends may visit with the family at the Crossroads Christian Church at 175 Halliday Way, Washington CH, OH 43160 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Following visitation, a memorial service will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. In keeping with Rory's wishes cremation was observed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rory’s name are suggested to the Crossroads Christian Church, 175 Halladay Way, Washington CH, OH 43160, the American Philatelic Society, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823, the Cyndi Meriweather Memorial Book and Supply Fund at Washington City Schools, 306 Highland Ave, Washington CH, OH 43160; or to Honor Flight Columbus, PO Box 20133, Columbus, OH 43220.

Following the memorial service, a dinner will be served at Crossroads Christian Church. All are welcome, provided you have a happy story to share.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com