Celebrating the life of
John Henry McCleskey, Sr.
August 05, 1939 - August 30, 2025
John Henry McCleskey, Sr., age 86, of Savannah, Georgia passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Summer Breeze Senior Community surrounded by family and caregivers.
Born on August 5,1939 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, John was the third child of Warren and Lillian McCleskey and brother to Warren, Charlie, and Margaret Nan. He grew up in Hattiesburg, MS, and graduated from Hattiesburg Hight School in 1957. He studied architecture at Auburn University and later received his BBA from Mercer University in Finance and Economics.
John married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Ann Seay, on January 1,1961 and they were married for 64 years. Together they raised two children in Dunwoody, GA, attended Dunwoody United Methodist Church and afterwards Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA and Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA. They were active members of their neighborhood communities and enjoyed tennis and golf.
John began his career working as a real estate broker and later created his own real estate development company, Metroplex Properties. In the late 80’s, John had the vision to develop Hutchinson Island into what is today, Savannah Harbor. In 1997, John and Kay moved to Savannah so John could devote his full time to the development of Savannah Harbor. In May of 2000, Savannah Harbor was the largest public/private development in the region. John was named by Georgia Trend magazine in 1997, 1998, and 1999 as one of the top 100 influential Georgians. In 2000, 2001, and 2002 Georgia Trend named him as one of Georgia’s leading developers. Savannah Morning News featured John in “20 who made a difference” in its 1998-year end issue. In 2000, the Savannah Chamber of Commerce presented John with its highest award, the Oglethorpe Leadership Award. In 2001, the Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council selected him as the Visionary Award Recipient.
John served as a Sunday School teacher at Dunwoody United Methodist and elder at Grace Church of the Islands. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and Wachovia Bank.
John was known as an eternal optimist with a hilarious form of self-deprecating humor. He loved the game of golf, was an avid reader, and took up painting upon retirement.
John is survived by:
· His wife, Kay
· His daughter Leah, son John Jr., and daughter-in-law Joy
· His grandchildren Abby, John III (Anna), Mary, Jake, and Jason (Hannah)
· And his great grandchildren Annie, Grace, Maranatha, and Amelia
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 am at Grace Church of the Islands, 6901 Concord Rd, Savannah, GA 31401. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am prior to the service.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and his grandson Luke.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. You can find John’s tribute page on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Summer Breeze Senior Living, the staff of Georgia Hospice Care, and the caregivers of Coastal Care Partners for their dedicated and loving care of John.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Getting to know John through the Savannah Harbor development was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was honored to get to work with him and getting to know Kay. Wonderful people!
- Steve Beck, Glasgow, Virginia
John was a well respected person. I worked with John when I was on The County Commission. If it were not for John, I more than likely would not voted for the Hutchinson Island project. So sorry for his loss. Prayers for all of his family.
- Frank & Kathryn Murray , Pembroke, GA
What a wonderful man. He was a true gentleman until the very end. It was an honor to meet both John and Kay during my time at Summer Breeze. Leah, my prayers to you and your family. Ms Kay my prayers are with you most of all. I know he will be missed greatly!
- Kelly Hagan, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. We first met in Atlanta when he approached CSX about Hutchison Island. I so enjoying our friendship over the proceeding years. He was such a gentleman and fine Christian man. I am a better person for having been associated with him.
- Ralph Pressley, Tucker, GA
Please accept my condolences. John was a wonderful man and a good friend and golf companion.
- Edwin Reynolds, Savannah, GA
My condolences to Kay and family on John's passing. Thankfully he is now in God's presence. My prayers continue for Kay and the family in their time of grief.
- John Schneider, Savannah, GA
John was a partner and special friend in my 20 years at The Westin Savannah Harbor. He was always there when needed and a strong ally. Most importantly he was great friend who always put others first. My prayers go out to Kay and the family. We know John is with God and his contributions to Savannah will live on.
- Mark Spadoni, Hot Springs, VA
I will always remember how supportive John and Kay were to me as a young church planter. I had no idea how to do anything financial, and John immediately got involved with the church in helping us secure property and getting the loans we needed. Suffice it to say there would be no Grace Church of the Islands were it not for John and Kay. I'll always treasure the good times we had at church, in each other's homes, and on the golf course. Love Marty and Debbie.
- Marty Fields, Warm Springs, Virginia
John had the vision for Hutchinson Island long before anyone realized its potential. Today, thanks to John and his early, persistent hard work the Island is now experiencing its full potential with the major expansion of The Savannah Convention Center, the announcement of a new 444 room convention hotel, the opening of an international yacht marina, the completion of a first-class residential rental project, and the resumption of building quality housing at The Reserve (now the Isling). His vision was combined with an affable and warm personality that will be missed by all who had the pleasure of his company.
- Ray Michaels, Highlands, NC
Oh, Kay, I am so happy I was able to meet your Johnny when I was at Summer Breeze with my husband. He was a delightful man. What I recall most is the two of you dancing together whenever there was a pianist playing the music at Summer Breeze which you both loved. God comfort you. I know you are happy John is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love you, Gloria Srieter
- Gloria Strieter, Savannah, GA
As a Real Estate Agent for CSX I had the responsibility for selling Hutchinson Island which at the time consisted of about 750 acres of weeds and alligators. I met John very early in the marketing process and he quickly helped to paint a mental vision of what its potential could be! Hotels, Golf Courses, Marina, cross island canal, etc. While it took several years, the sale finally happened and John was able to see his dream materialize! John's faith was evident in all he did and It was an honor to know him!
- Ted Jackson, Jacksonville, Florida
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00a.m. on Fri, September 05, 2025
- Grace Church of the Islands
-
6920 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410
