Garrison A. Southard

GARRISON A. SOUTHARD, JR.

1929 ~ 2026

Garrison A. Southard, Jr. (Gary) of Pinehurst, NC, passed away on September 11, 2026. He was 97. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Suzanne; three children: Ry (Wendy), Susan, and Jonathan (Wendy); four stepchildren: Ron, Donna, Joe (Vilma), and Dan; three grandchildren: Taylor (Tom), Eva (Chris), and Emily; and his sister, Julia Hainen (Gene). He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard (Shirley). Beloved extended family members and friends abound.

Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1929, in 1951, Gary joined the Marines and reported to Parris Island for boot camp, emerging as a commissioned officer (2nd Lieutenant). After infantry and aviation training, he served seven months in Korea in an observation and front-line evacuation squadron, an experience that remained meaningful to him throughout his life. He returned home as a captain and served in the Marine Corps Reserve for nine years.

Back home, Gary was recruited by IBM in Tulsa, OK, where he sold corporate accounting machines and was named IBM’s third-highest salesperson in the country. In 1966, Gary became the first president and first employee of Master Charge (now known as Mastercard), where he hired and trained the company’s initial 350 employees, launched all operations, and oversaw the mailing of the first credit cards to potential customers. In the final years of his professional life, Gary worked as a consultant to banks and professional institutions. He served on many nonprofit boards, including the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago; and locally, the Arts Council of Moore County and the Ruth Pauley Series.

Even with several health conditions, Gary went to the gym three times a week, joined friends for poker and lunch each week, and read avidly. He will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family and lifelong friends; his woodworking skills; and his love of food, wine, sweets, books, and the music of Jimmy Buffett, The Highwaymen, and the jazz greats. He leaves behind a legacy of love and care for others that his family will carry forward.

Gary will be interred with military honors at the Marine Corps National Cemetery in Quantico, VA, sometime next year. Donations in his memory may be made to Given Memorial Library in Pinehurst by calling 910-295-3642 or to the Korean Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), a national organization honoring those who served in Korea during and since the Korean War, at  https://kdva.vet/donations/

Online condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com.

Powell Funeral Home is serving the Southard family.