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.