PEORIA, IL — With deep sorrow and aching hearts, we share the sudden passing of Nick Southey, a cherished father, son, partner, brother, friend, and proud Eagles fan. Nick passed away unexpectedly on Saturday night, May 3 at just 32 years old, leaving behind a void that words can scarcely fill.
Nick was a loving and devoted father to his two young children, who were the absolute center of his world. His greatest pride came from being their dad—guiding, teaching, and loving them with all his heart. Whether he was at a park, sharing stories, or simply goofing around to make them laugh, Nick’s joy was brightest when he was with his kids.
He was also a supportive and attentive son, a pillar of strength to his family, and a guiding light to his siblings. To his family, Nick was more than a relative—he was the dependable one, the shoulder to lean on when life got heavy, and the person who always showed up with humor and heart. To his sibling, he wasn’t just a brother, but a best friend from the very beginning.
Nick shared a beautiful life and deep bond with his partner, Megan Russell. Their love was filled with laughter, hard work, mutual respect, and dreams of the future they were building together. Megan remembers Nick as a partner who showed up every day with devotion, kindness, and fierce love.
For the past four years, Nick worked diligently at Kuna Foods, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his work ethic, reliability, and warm spirit. He was the kind of coworker who could make a tough shift better with a quick joke or thoughtful gesture. He approached his job with the same quiet dedication that defined so much of his life.
Nick was also a man who found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. A die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan, he never missed a game and wore his green with pride. Whether celebrating a touchdown or dissecting a big play, Nick’s enthusiasm for sports was contagious. He was the kind of fan who knew the stats, but more importantly, lived the passion.
Beyond his responsibilities and routines, Nick had a rare gift—the ability to light up a room with his sense of humor. With just a silly voice, sound effect, or witty remark, he could dissolve tension and bring smiles to the most serious faces. His laughter was infectious. His presence unforgettable.
His sudden departure has left his loved ones reeling, grappling with the pain of losing someone so full of life, potential, and love. But even in this grief, we celebrate a life that, though far too short, was filled with meaning, impact, and heart.
Nick Southey will be remembered for the love he gave, the laughs he shared, and the loyalty he showed to those around him. His legacy lives on in his children, in every game day cheer, in every memory shared by those who were lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by his children, partner Megan Russell, his parents, siblings, extended family, and countless friends who will carry his memory forward with love.
Rest easy, Nick. Your love, laughter, and loyalty will never be forgotten. Fly, Eagles, Fly.