John Edward NeSmith (Eddie) passed away peacefully February 15, 2025, in the company of his best friend, Pat Hansen, while preparing for vigil Mass and a small Valentine party at the church. He loved life and lived each moment to the fullest.
Eddie was born in Savannah on December 4, 1940, the son of William Daniel NeSmith Sr., from whom he garnered his gentle nature, and Cora Whalen NeSmith, who rendered him his quick wit and sense of humor. Eddie is recently preceded in death by his brother, William Daniel NeSmith Jr. (Gail).
Eddie graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1958 and continued his love and connection to BC throughout his life. He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hartwell, Georgia, where he also volunteered at the Clothes Closet, the food pantry, and cooking for the Knights of Columbus breakfast where he was known as the “egg man.” He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9915 at Sacred Heart, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 3307. A proud Navy veteran, Eddie boasted a great love for his country and was a member of the American Legion Post 109.
Every Saint Patrick’s Day in Savannah, you could find Eddie in his white jacket representing the Adjutant Committee at the corner of Forsyth Park organizing the line up of the parade with his lifelong friend Johnny McKenna. He served on the Committee most of his adult life, and in 2010 was awarded the Henry “Harry” Deal Appreciation Award.
Eddie shared his great love of hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and the Georgia “Dawgs” with his beloved son, John Christopher NeSmith (Melissa), and his grandsons Joshua NeSmith (Katie), Jeremiah NeSmith (JaneMarie), Zachariah Awad (Frances), Jacob Awad (Anna), Youssef Awad, Ahmed Awad, and Myron “Trey” Burke III, who will serve as his honorary pall bearers. He also leaves behind his daughters, Barbara NeSmith Awad (Tony) and Marie NeSmith Elder (the late Corey Elder), and two granddaughters, Sienna Elder and Catherine Peeples (Weston). His little loves were his great-grandchildren: James, Jack, Abby, Hannah, and Ezra. Eddie also shared a special bond with his many cousins, that were more like siblings and best friends, that brought him great love and laughter, particularly, Helen Gabon.
Eddie will mostly be remembered for the joy he brought to others and brings to mind the quote by Mother Teresa, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” He lived out the Apostle Paul’s description of love as patient and kind, as these were the attributes that Eddie shared with all. His children will always remember the gifts he bestowed upon them from his teachings of forgiveness, patience, and laughter.
A visitation will be held at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home Islands Chapel (4605 Highway 80 East, Savannah) on Friday, February 21, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm followed by a Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 22, at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, with burial at Hillcrest Abbey East at 3:00pm at 1600 Wheaton Street, Savannah. A reception will follow at Flying Fish Bar & Grill from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.