Celebrating the life of
Edgar William Smith Jr.
November 07, 1953 - January 18, 2026
Edgar William Smith Jr., 72, passed away after a long illness on January 18, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of Edgar William Smith, Sr., and Carolyn Cragin Smith.
Born in Savannah ga, Edgar grew up in Oakdale where he made many lifelong friends. He went on to attend & Graduated from HV Jenkins High School in 1971 while working part-time with his father at JC Lewis car dealership. He attended Armstrong College for a brief time before working at a myriad of varied employment before finding his career as a longshoreman. Edgar retired from ILA 1475 in 2015 after a long career. Along the way he married his high school sweetheart, Anne, in 1976 and had one beautiful son. They were married for 49 years.
As a child of the Georgia coast, he loved surfing, sailing, fishing, boating or almost any such activity. He was renowned for his knowledge of the waterways and love of animals. Throughout his life, he had a passion for riding and racing motorcycles and working on boats. He was a friend to anyone who needed a friend in him & never met a stranger. He always had a quick wit about his humor and could make light of the most tense and saddest situations. He & Anne enjoyed travelling and experiencing new places and adventures, making friends everywhere.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 49 years, Anne Kolman Smith, and loving son, Edgar Wiliiam Smith III, Sister-in-Law Karen Kolman Hayes, nephews Chris Gwinner (Hannah) and Ben Gwinner, nieces, Amy McKinney (Tim), Rosie Kitchens (Lee), and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Predeceased are his parents, Edgar William Smith, Sr. and Carolyn Cragin Smith, his aunts Pauline Grayson and Evelyn Mullins, and his cousins Billy Berry and Sonny Mullins.
Visitation will be held on Saturday evening, January 24, 2026 at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Donations may be made in Edgar’s memory to the Ossabaw Island Foundation.The Ossabaw Island Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural, cultural, and scientific resources of Georgia’s Ossabaw Island, and donations support environmental stewardship, education, cultural programming, and research.
Goodby dear friend
- Jimmy Johnson, Marietta, GA
Edgar truly never met a stranger and he was a great friend! His sense of humor always had people laughing even when he was so sick. This world will miss him, but I'm sure he will get a warm welcome in heaven.
- Susan Morgan, Brooklyn and Grayson , Savannah, GA
Anne, So sorry to read about Edgar. May he rest in peace.
- Walter Lewis, Savannah, GA
Edgar was a good friend from the time we met,he would come to have lunch with the Fourth quarter club from time to time,Ann,we will be praying for your comfort through this difficult time.
- Ed Cope, Savannah , Ga.
Dear Anne and Family, May the many good memories of Edgar bring you all comfort at this time of loss and sadness.
- David Maschke, Albany, GA
Dear Anne-I'm so sorry for this most heartbreaking loss. My prayers are with you and your son as you go through the days, weeks, and months ahead. Linda Poppell Smith
- Linda Poppell Smith, Sav, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Anne, praying for you and family as you navigate honoring Edgar's legacy.
- Nolanda Hatcher, Birmingham, AL
Anne, I am thinking about you and your family and how intertwined we all were. So many memories of our family friendship and so many now gone. Now your loving spouse is one of them. I am so sorry for him and for you. May he find peace and be free of pain now.
- Beth Kinstler , Tryon , NC
I'll miss you Uncle Edgar and look forward to sailing with you again someday. Rest in peace
- Ben , Savannah, Ga
Edgar definitely one of a kind. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile. Gave the best hugs too. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you as you adjust to your days ahead. Cherish your memories and know that Edgar touxhed a lot of lives along his journey of life. He will be missed.
- Dolores "Dee" Perry Norris, Springfield , Georgia
I am so very very sorry to hear this. I've known Edgar and Anne since Heard Elementary. Edgar is now fully healed and in the arms of the One who loves him most. Prayers for strength and comfort for all.
- Patti Ward Neidlinger , Tybee Island, GA
Edgar was a great friend to James growing up in Oakdale and to me as we met in 10th grade at Jenkins. He was kind and funny and we both treasured our friendships with him. Much love to you, Anne, your son and your whole family. God bless Edgar and hold him in Your arms in heaven.
- Ceilia and James Blakewood , St Simons Island, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. We know that pain all too well.
- Roan & Cheryl Garcia-Quintana, Greenville, South Carolina
So sorry for your loss Anne! You and your family are in my prayers.
- Fran Arnsdorff, Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss, Anne. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
- Rose Mary and Jim Cone, Savannah, Ga
Anne, so sorry to learn of your loss. So many great memories going all the way back to Heard school and Oakdale and Fairway Oaks!!! We were all so blessed to grow up in such great neighborhoods with great families and life long friends. Edgar will certainly be missed by so many friends who were lucky enough to be his friend!!! lRest eternal, grant to him O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. Hang in there and cherish all of the wonderful memories you two were able to share together. Your friend, Arthur
- Arthur Peagler, Savannah, GA
So there were four us at Edgar house one day.We were all sixteen years old. None us had a biological brother. I had what I thought was a good idea. " Let's make a pack with each other." I said, " no matter where we go, no matter what happens. We will always be there for each other." I hope Edgar found me faithful. I honestly love him as my brother. There is so much more...
- LE Hewett Jr, Claxton, GA
The past few years have been extremely difficult for Edgar and Anne, but their attitudes, in the face of adversity, has been inspiring. Somehow, whenever we saw him, he would have a smile on his face. Anne was absolutely superb in loving and caring for her husband. In the Book of Romans 12:15, tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to mourn with those who mourn. We do both in this case. We rejoice because Edgar will never suffer again, and we mourn because we won't see his smile, or hear him laugh again. Until we meet again.
- Bobby and Ruth Hanson, Savannah, Ga
I am so so sorry to hear this. Edgar was an amazing man. He always had the best spirits in hard times, he was truly an inspiration. I can hear his laugh ringing through my head. Edgar lit up so many lives. Me, Willie and the Weil's are sending all our thoughts, prayers and love.
- Claire Weil, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry, Anne. Edgar was such a huge part of my (extremely extended) adolesence. Nothing but great memories. What a beautiful relationship between you two. I have to be out of town this weekend so I won't be able to attend the visitation, but you will be in my heart.
- scott center, savannah, GA
We met Edgar and your family through Mr. John. So sorry for your loss and are sending thoughts and prayers to you.
- Karen Davis, LYONS, GA
Anne, sorry for your loss. I haven't seen you all for a long time. Edgar was a good guy. God bless you and yours. Larry spear
- J Larry Spear , Savannah, GA
We have lost a great family man, friend and one of the kindest and most generous, compassionate men I have ever known. I was honored to be part of Anne and Edgar's wedding party at Anne's Grandparents Kolman's home on the bluff at Wilmington Island. Edgar and I would take Grandpa Kolman fishing at night with cane poles under the lights, and fish until we ran out of bait. We fished until we filled a washtub up with trout, then we cleaned trout and used whatever bait we could scrounge up from that mess to keep fishing. And the marsh hen hunts with my twin brother Walter. A tear and a smile. Edgar was very stoic and I never heard him complain. Anne, Little ED 111 and family we send thoughts and prayers. I loved the boss.
- William G. Weil, Port Wentworth, Georgia
Hi Anne I was sorry to hear of Edgar's passing. My prayers will be with you and your family as you go thru the difficult days ahead. Edgar and I started out at Heard and finished up at HVJ. I pray that the many memories you made together wil be a source of comfort and blessing to you.
- Debbie Cameron, Savannah, GA
I never had a better friend.
- Arthur and Phyllis Weil, Atl, Ga
Dear Anne, my heart is broken for you. I have so many wonderful memories of fun, crazy times with Edgar and you: from Heard through Jenkins, your wedding on Wilmington Island and beyond. I see so much love for both of you in these posts. I know you look forward to seeing him again. I'm sending so much love and prayers. Hope to see you soon.
- Julie Dey, Evans, Georgia
Anne, sending love and prayers for you and your family at this sad time. A good man to share your life with...who could ask for anything more?
- Linda Runge, Savannah, GA
Anne........we are so sorry to hear of Edgar's passing. We had just a few opportunities to interact with him. Great person and will be missed. Anne, thinking of you and your family.
- Dale and Linda McKinney , Sioux Falls , SD
Edgar and I were friends when we were young and were in the Fourth Quarter Club as we got older. He was a great guy and he will be greatly missed.I will be praying daily for God's comfort for Anne and Edgar 111.
- Howard Jarrott, Savannah , Ga.
Anne, so sorry that Ed has passed away. The times that we shared were few, but enjoyable. He was a fun guy and are prayers are with your family.
- Terry and Joleen Allers, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Anne, so very sorry about Edgar's passing. He was a good man. Key Club forever!
- Charlie Roberts, Statham, GA
Anne and Edgar, There is nowhere for me to begin as I feel as if I am lost in a maze ! I hear his laugh ! I'm listening to this great story he is telling ! We sailed and traveled so many miles together ! Loving husband, father, and uncle..... a friend to so many - - he was the person who lived and loved with complete immersion ... the perfect wave that curls or that steady zephyr breeze that fills the sails and last for days upon days..... I will never forget this great sailor and will celebrate every memory and story of him.
- Johnny, Savannah, Georgia
Anne, my prayers are with you and your entire family. Edgar was a special man who will be missed by so many.
- Mary Laura Teague-Austin , Winston-Salem , NC
Anne, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending your family so much peace and light. Your long marriage is an inspiration.
- Ruth Hutson, Savannah, GA
Anne, I I am so sorry to learn of Edgar's passing. I know that will leave a big hole in your heart, but remember all of the fun times you've had and the laughs you've had together. That will get you through as he would want for you.
- Camille Puckett, Peachtree Cor, GA
Mom and I were so sad to hear of Edgar's passing. Growing up and visiting dad at work, Edgar was always there, and he always pretended to be the truancy officer for school. Makes me laugh. Dad (Danny) and Edgar had some good times together and lots of fishing trips. I imagine them both have found a honey hole and are reeling in some good ones. I pray for peace and comfort for your family. Cherish the memories together, as they will help you during this difficult time. Danielle & Marie Allbritton
- Danielle Allbritton, Savannah, Ga
Anne, Greg and I send our deepest condolences. I have always loved how you spoke of your family to me, with all the love you have for them. Our thoughts are with you.
- Carmen Evans, Savannah, GA
Anne, I am so sorry to hear about Edgar.Growing up in Oakdale, all of the neighborhood children were buddies. Edward and my younger brother were good buddies. Edgar was a dear friend to me as we went to Heard, Wilder, and HVJ. He will be missed by those who knew him.
- Leslie Pearson Mills, Hazlehurst, GA
Anne - I was so sorry to hear about Edgar. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Sandra Sherrill, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. on Sat, January 24, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200

