William R. “Bill” Southwell, 83, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness.
Bill Southwell a lifelong resident of Warren County and a man with a distinct love for life, friends, family, speed, and the oil field was born to the late Russell P. Southwell and Maggie Summerville on May 9, 1942, Bill spent his entire life in the county he loved, making his mark as a successful, hardworking, self-employed Independent Oil & Gas producer.
While he worked hard, Bill knew how to play hard, too. He had a true need for speed and a competitive spirit, spending many years as a dirt track car owner and behind the wheel racing. When he wasn’t racing himself, he was cheering on his son, Butch, or his favorite NASCAR drivers.
But beneath the heart of a racer was a passionate man. Bill loved his animals, especially his dogs. He raised and cared for many over the years, finding genuine joy in every one. He was also a man who loved good company and a good story, especially when the story might not be 100% true. This was evident by his memberships in the Warren Elks Lodge #223, the Chub Club of Warren, and the spirited “Liars Club” of North Carolina.
On June 16, 1961, Bill married his best friend, Judith “Jude” Ballard. They spent 48 years together until her passing in October 2008. During those 48 years, they had many adventures that only Bill could have created, including the North Carolina house and Lake Willie. Since Jude’s passing, Bill always felt that a part of him was missing.
It is no surprise to anyone who knew Bill, that his Life song was “My Way” sung by Elvis, as Bill truly lived life His Way to the very end.
Bill’s spirit lives on through his large and loving family. He is survived by his four children, Patti Southwell-Mahood, Butch Southwell (Cathy), Susan Justham (Doug), and Jill Southwell-Stoltz (Damian Bauer).
Bill left behind grandchildren, Brook Lindell Benton (Josh), Brandon Lindell, Tanner Mahood, Haley Mahood (Christian Falvo), Sarah Lyon (Kyle), Jamison Justham (Kayla), Benjamin Justham (Maddie), Noah Justham, Samantha Stoltz, and Storm Stoltz and great-grandchildren Bowen Lindell, Baisley and Josie Benton, Isaac Lyon, Finnegan and Whitaker Justham, Layna and Ardyn Falvo.
Bill also left behind his sister Mary Jane Dersam and his half-siblings Mona Wolcott, Linda Haner, Larry Southwell, Becky Hitchcock, Madeline Southwell, and Rosie Southwell.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Jude, his granddaughter Paula Southwell, his sister Betty Mott, and his half-brother Bub Southwell.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Warren Cancer Center for the kindness, care, and attention they showed Bill during his illness.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family, with burial taking place at Warren County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Bill’s love for animals and community by donating to:
● An Animal Rescue of your choice
● Hospice of Warren County (1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365)
Online condolences may be shared at www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. or on our Facebook Page.
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., has been entrusted for the final funeral arrangements.
Bill was always a hoot at my gym down in the west end plaza. Thank you bill for all the laughs!
Prayers to the family and friends of Bill at this difficult time. Bill was a wonderful man who will be missed dearly.
Peace and prayers to all. Bill always treated me well. Jude was the sweetest ever. Miss you all
Bill was a great guy….had many laughs with him . Rest in peace. Condolences to all family members.
Bill will be greatly missed. Always enjoyed a chat with him along
With a York peppermint patty. Prayers to you all.
You have our deepest sympathy. Prayers for comfort & peace.
Bill was always a pleasure to be around, and enjoyed coffee with him and Marv Ross, Rick Dies, Jeff Burke, ect. Bill always kept the party going and was friendly to any new comers. Rest in peace Bill, you will never be forgotten. I enjoyed his stories of when he worked in the x-ray dept. at Struthers-Wells. and he said they called him ” Goffer”
Bill was always a pleasure to be around, and enjoyed coffee with him and Marv Ross, Rick Dies, Jeff Burke, ect. Bill always kept the party going and was friendly to any new comers. Rest in peace Bill, you will never be forgotten. I enjoyed his stories of when he worked in the x-ray dept. at Struthers-Wells. and he said they called him ” Goffer”
Will miss bill and he was a very good friend to my husband and I and I loved talking to him at peppermill and asking him if the food was good and he said it was yummy to his tummy and now he is with the angels in heaven will miss bill andi i pray for all your family
My Condolences to bill’s family and friends, he will be greatly missed by many.
My condolences to the family. What a beautiful obituary. Thinking of you, Patti.
If you ever went on a road trip or out to eat it was adventure. We enjoyed his spirit of adventure. If he went to hell he will for sure be thrown out. Heaven will have a handful to tame. We know he will not be at rest anywhere it will be full play ahead.
I was sorry to read about Bill’s passing in the paper. What a beautiful family, Judy, and Bill have. Their children are wonderful. Bills obituary was so well written. You have my deepest condolences and prayers.
Mr. Southwell was the best. I enjoyed talking to him at the races and yes he could tell lots of stories. So friendly and he made you laugh. We had trivia talks at the races and he was amazed how much I knew about racing and knew the answers to his racing trivia.
I always asked Butch at Stateline how Mr. Southwell was doing. He will be missed.