Tony Craig Petrea, 69, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at his home in Statesboro, surrounded by family and friends.

Tony, sixth of nine children, was born on July 11, 1956, to Jesse Lewis Petrea,Sr. and Thelma Royal Petrea. He was married to Debra W. Chester, his devoted partner in life.

Tony’s career reflected his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He began working alongside his father as a mason with the JL Petrea Masonry Company, where he developed the craftsmanship and discipline that shaped his future. He later founded his own contracting company, Consolidated Services, building a respected reputation as a general contractor and real estate developer. Tony purchased and rehabilitated numerous properties and became a trusted resource in historic preservation.

Tony lived a life marked by purpose and generosity. His pride in his two sons was unmistakable. As a devoted father, he worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their education and to encourage them in developing their own interests and vocations. He especially treasured the years he spent coaching their baseball teams—a sport he loved deeply.

Committed to helping others build their futures, Tony established the J.L. Petrea Construction Scholarship at Ogeechee Technical College, providing annual academic assistance to two students in perpetuity. A two-time cancer survivor, he inspired many through his resilience and encouraged generous support for melanoma research. His quiet but determined generosity was a hallmark of his life. Friends, family, coworkers, tenants, and even strangers were often the grateful recipients of his anonymous acts of kindness.

Tony also provided for the future establishment of a fruit orchard at the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden in honor of his mother. His love of animals and support of the Humane Society reflected his tender heart.

Throughout his life, Tony embraced a wide range of interests. As a young man, he raised roses in his parents’ front yard. Over the years, he collected arrowheads, shark teeth, and coins. He delighted in smoking dozens of pork roasts at his home on Chimney Creek for neighborhood Fourth of July celebrations. His passion for Corvette automobiles led to many friendships through club events and gatherings.

An amateur radio enthusiast, Tony learned Morse code and communicated with people around the world under the call name “Big T.” His remarkable recall of baseball statistics, music, and history made him a captivating conversationalist. Travel was another great passion, and he visited many places he loved, including Las Vegas, Mexico, Canada, and destinations throughout Europe, as well as the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.

Tony will be remembered for his selfless giving—never seeking recognition, only hoping to ease the burdens of others, whether emotional, physical, or financial. A natural conversationalist, he connected easily with everyone he met through warmth and genuine interest. As one lifelong friend described him, Tony was “a numinous force for good who was there when it mattered most.” And so he was.

Tony is survived by his wife, Debra W. Chester; his son, Mason Bryant Petrea; his daughter Olivia and son in law Parker Newell, his siblings, Shirley Alane Petrea Varney; Ricky Dale Petrea (Mary Frances); Emerson Miles Petrea (Jenette); Holly Carol Petrea; and Todd Royal Petrea; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Petrea and June Petrea; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Lewis Petrea, Sr. and Thelma Royal Petrea; his son, Tony Craig Petrea, Jr.; his brothers, Jesse Lewis Petrea.Jr., Jimmy Allen Petrea, and Woody Paul Petrea; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Varney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7, 2026, at the Chapel by the Sea on Tybee Island, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Guard House on Tybee Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to melanoma research at donate.melanoma.org or to Chapel by the Sea, Tybee Island.