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Celebrating the life of
Hobart L. Manley, Jr.
Passed away on November 03, 2023
Hobart passed peacefully from this life to his Heavenly home on November 3, after enjoying nearly 97 years on this Earth. He was at home, surrounded by his family.
Hobart was born in Savannah, Georgia on December 20, 1926 to Hobart Leslie Manley, Sr. and Flossie Anderson Manley. He is survived by his best friend, confidant, and loving wife of more than 67 years, Marilyn Cubbedge Manley and his son, Hobart L. Manley, III (Terri), daughter Marjorie Manley Ashburn (Wick), grandchildren Frances Erin Manley, Hobart L. Manley, IV (Christy), Leslie Ashburn Cook (Adam), Rosalind Carlyene Ashburn; Ramsey Ingram Ashburn, and Rebecca Cubbedge Ashburn. Hobart is also survived by his sister Frieda Manley Hutchinson and niece Susan Hutchinson Thompson (Mike) as well as being blessed with several great nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his youngest daughter, Lisa Cubbedge Manley.
Golf was not his only sports passion in life. Before teaching himself to play golf well, he lettered in all sports during his academic careers at Savannah High School, Asheville School for Boys in Asheville, NC, Marion Military Institute and University of Georgia. He even squeezed in 8 years serving for the National Guard. At age 22, Hobart began entering major amateur golf tournaments which began to threaten his quiet life in Savannah playing golf and working for his father at Reynolds and Manley Lumber. In 1951 he qualified for the North-South Amateur Open in Pinehurst, NC and had a huge win over Billy Joe Patton! His quick rise in the Amateur ranks took him far from Savannah – 3 British amateurs, 2 French Amateurs, Canadian Open and even to Southern California answering the invitations of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Perry Como. He also enjoyed playing with and developing friendships with some outstanding names in professional golf.
In 1969 he was inducted into the Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame and in 1991 he was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in Augusta, GA. The stories and fun times are endless. Golfers can somehow remember every shot, every dogleg, and every joke! But he always remained the true gentleman that he had been reared to be.
Hobart also had other passions in his long life. In 1956 he married his most devoted “groupie,” Marilyn Cubbedge. They began a life with their young family on Isle of Hope, GA which included a special family at St Thomas Church, along with fun times with friends and family boating on the creek. Then in the summer, the family headed to the mountains to enjoy golf, hiking and building fires in Highlands, NC at the Blueberry Farm and at Highlands Falls Country Club. Many wonderful memories were made in Savannah and Highlands with his wife Marilyn and their children. Hobart lived a full life. He was a man who exuded care, loyalty, and joy; always making people feel comfortable with his grace, wit, and full acceptance. He lived his faith and will be missed on this Earth.
The family would like to thank Hobart’s two newest best friends, Dee and Shelly. You brightened his day!
A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Isle of Hope, GA, Wednesday, November 8 2023 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2 St. Thomas Ave, Savannah, GA 31406 for underprivileged children’s needs.
My heart is so heavy for Mrs. Manley who stood by Mr. Manley through thick and thin. Prays go out to Hobie and Majorie hoping happy times spent with your dad help you through these sad days. I miss my dad everyday, but I embrace the fun times I spent with him and forever enjoy the memories he spent with his granddaughters. God bless you all.
- Sarah Hardee Nichols, Candler , NC
My heart is so heavy for Mrs. Manley who stood by Mr. Manley through thick and thin. Prays go out to Hobie and Majorie hoping happy times spent with your dad help you through these sad days. I miss my dad everyday, but I embrace the fun times I spent with him and forever enjoy the memories he spent with his granddaughters. God bless you all.
- Sarah Hardee Nichols, Candler , NC
Hobart was one of a kind and someone I admire my whole life.Had the pleasure of talking to him awhile back. He is the last of a great group of golfers how I have many fond memories. Rest in Peace old friend.
- Bob White jr., Greensboro , Ga
I feel truly blessed to have known Mr. Manley. His smile brightened my day. He was a true joy to spend time with.
- Stacy New (Dr. Bensons office), Savannah , Ga
Can only smile when I think of him.
- Randy L Jacobson, Plantation, FLORIDA
I pray for God’s peace for his family as you gather to celebrate a life well lived
- BillBassham, aiken, Sc
So very sorry for your loss. Sending sympathy and prayers for the family.
- Maryann Butterfield, Savannah, GA
Hobart was the most gentle and dear man I've ever known. I remember with great affection and laughter listening to his tales of playing poker (and a little bit of golf!) with Sean Connery (Bond, James Bond!). He had a million great stories. My heart breaks for Marilyn and the family but full of joy for the lifetimes shared.
- Cece Coleman, Savanah , GA
Our deepest condolences. He will be missed by many. david and Elaine Nussbaum
- Nussbaum, Big pine key, Fl
I only had the privilege of meeting Mr Manley once, but I was fortunate enough to be in the gallery during many of the tournaments he played locally…always hoping he would win. He was “the Arnold Palmer” of Savannah. My prayers are with his family during this time.
- George Salter, Centerville, GA
Our sincere condolences to the family. We have fond memories of meeting Mr. Hobart.
- Hyduke, Bennettsville, SC
Great guy will be missed by all who knew him!!
- ICE (Jules) Paderewski, Savannah, Ga
The Savannah Golf Club community will miss Mr. Manley. Words cannot do justice for the appreciation of what he brought to the club. His loss is shared by so many members and staff he touched with his personal gifts of kindness over the years. I am forever grateful for getting to know Mr. Manley, and to have had the fortune of spending one morning with him on the course he will bless forever.
- Gunnard Cunningham (The Savannah Golf Club), Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jeanne & Guerry Conrade
- Conrade, SAVANNAH, GA
special person in every way...........could watch him hit golf balls by the hour..............just loved being around him........
- Ray Cutright, St Simons Island, GA
At the top of my list of favorite people. Someone to aspire to be like…. Thank you for all the great conversation and laughter. God bless you.
- Mark Powers , Savannah , Ga
A candle has been lit!
My deepest condolences. He was a true “gentle man” and it was an honor and blessing to know and love him. He and Lisa are together, in peace and love ❤️
- Kathryn Steward, Atlanta , Ga
We’ve lost a special one. Our continued prayers go out to Marilyn and family. It’s hard to express what Hobart meant to us and how we cherish the memories with him and Marilyn. With exception of my wife, I guess I played more golf with Hobart from 1985 – 2000 than with any other single person. However I can’t recall ever beating him. He was a true joy to play with and to simply be around. He assigned a nick name to me while we were playing in Cuernavaca, Mexico one year and that name has stuck with me for over 30 years. Just a few years ago we ran into one another in Franklin and enjoyed a short conversation about the memories. By the way, he said he was there getting his axe sharpened. I simply shook my head and said “That doesn’t surprise me Hobart…”
- Frank & Shelia Montgomery, Otto, North Carolina
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 2:00 p.m. on Wed, November 08, 2023
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church
-
2 St. Thomas Ave. (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- Burial
- on Wed, November 08, 2023
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church
-
2 St. Thomas Ave. (map)
Savannah GA 31406