Celebrating the life of
Carlos Celaya
August 21, 1967 - February 26, 2026
Carlos Celaya passed away peacefully at home Thursday, February 26, 2026. He was surrounded by his family, who remarked that if love could heal, he would have lived forever. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Laura, and their children Pepa, 23; Trey, 22; and Ellie, 16; his 4 sisters, 7 nieces and nephews, 9 grandnieces/grandnephews, his cousins throughout Spain, and the many friends he made in his 58 years.
Affectionately known as the most interesting man in the world, Carlos loved to tell stories and entertain. He was stoic and stubborn, refined and elegant, and incredibly warm and loving. He was defined by his love for family and friends and his passion for life. He was the guy you called in the middle of the night and then laughed about it with him the next day. An avid outdoorsman, Carlos – referred to as “Los” by his friends -- spent as much time as possible either kayaking the rivers of Savannah or at “Camp Los” in Sandersville, hosting fireside chats and an annual Father/Child campout from which the children invariably returned home with dirty feet and stories to tell.
Carlos’ parents moved to the United States from Spain in 1954. His father was a Fulbright Scholar who became a urologist. Born in Atlanta in 1967, Carlos was the baby of the family; his four older sisters lovingly referred to him as “The Prince.” Growing up in Atlanta in the 1970s with the name Carlos was not easy, but he owned it. He loved history and, with his dad, enjoyed collecting art and artifacts from Spain and around the world. After graduating from The Lovett School, Carlos attended Presbyterian College, majoring in Political Science and Spanish with a minor in Portuguese. He was vice president of Theta Chi, where he developed lasting friendships with a group of loyal men who have stood faithfully by his side ever since.
He started his career in Chicago in the packaging industry and was transferred to Los Angeles. In 1993, when he and Laura met at a party, she knew her life was forever changed. They married 6 years later in Manhattan Beach and had an amazing celebration with friends and family where everyone danced all night long. From California, they moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and started their family with Pepa and Trey. This place for Carlos was heaven on earth, hunting in the fall and winter, fishing and crabbing in the spring and summer, and kayaking from his backyard.
They moved to Savannah in 2004. With the birth of Ellie in 2009, their family was complete and Carlos instilled in his children the values he cherished: being a steward of the land and a true and loyal friend with Southern graciousness and manners. Of all his endeavors, he was most proud of his faithful children, their accomplishments and human traits.
Carlos was devoted to giving back to his friends and community. For 10 years, he served as a volunteer and chairman of Candler Clays Shoot and Auction, an annual two-day charity event in Savannah that raises funds for cancer care; he was an avid supporter of Angel Flight, president of the Executives’ Association of Savannah, and member of the Rotary Club of Savannah. He is survived by his wife Laura of 27 years and their children Maria Josefa "Pepa," Carlos Llovera III "Trey" and Estelle Lurana "Ellie," and by his sisters Cristina Roe of Atlanta, Carla Heard of Dallas, Ana Mercer of Savannah, and Mary Jo Dooley of St. Simons Island, Ga.
A memorial service will be held at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at noon on March 28, 2026, and a celebration of life immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in his memory to Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Rd., Savannah, GA 31406, or to Angel Flight Soars, Inc., 2000 Airport Rd. Suite 227 Atlanta, GA 30341, https://angelflightsoars.org/
We only had sisters so we were brothers. I've seen the desert , surfed the oceans, and fished deep of the Gulf, streams and rivers all with you Carlos.
- Dave Anderson, Macon, GA
Hey Celaya family, I've been thinking of you guys a lot recently. Camp Carlos will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss him dearly. Sincerely, Jack Braswell
- Jack Braswell, Milledgeville , Ga
Laura, Pepa, Trey & Ellie, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of your many happy times with such a remarkable husband, father and friend be a balm to you in the challenging times ahead. I didn't know Carlos as long as many, but we were fast friends nonetheless, and could pick up a conversation where we left off from weeks before. I will miss you, your wisdom and your great sense of humor, my friend.
- Vernon & Rebecca Buchman, Savannah, GA
Mr.Celaya will be greatly missed,
- betty arnett, savannah, georgia
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. I met Carlos years ago when I worked downtown. He was a very friendly and caring man.
- Nancy Rowland, SAVANNAH, GA
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I have such wonderful memories of Carlos as a kid growing up with him in the Riverside Estates' neighborhood. What a wonderful obituary and how full his life was!
- Nysie Padgett, Atlanta, GA
He sounds like a wonderful father and man. My condolences to the family.
- Micah Goodman, savannah, GA
We are praying for your family. May God's peace be with you all during this tough time.
- The Garrett Family (SCDS- Mathieu and Nala), Richmond Hill , GA
A candle has been lit!
Prayers
- The Garrett Family (SCDS- Mathieu and Nala), Richmond Hill , GA
Carlos was my first cousin, my younger cousin, whom I watched grow up from afar. Carlos is a man I admire for who he was; a wonderful husband, father, and, ultimately, a wonderful man. My eternal memory of him and my deepest condolences to his entire family.
- Alicia Pascual Navarro, España, Valencia
My condolences to all the family and friends, especially to his wife and three children, whom I carry in my heart these days, and know that they will always have a place here on the other side of the ocean.
- Rafael Pascual Navarro, Valencia, Spain
Laura, I am so devasted over Carlos's passing. I prayed so hard for him to get better. We thought the world of him at Linzer. His visits were always so enjoyable and he was just the nicest, most sincere person. He talked about you and his children so lovingly and proudly. My heart aches for all of you. I pray that you have peace knowing that you will see him again one day. Love to you and your children, Tracy
- Tracy Lee Kemmerlin, Metter, GA
Carlos never seemed to meet a stranger and had the wonderful ability to always make you feel welcome. Sending much love to you all.
- Georgia Shotts Renck, Chesapeake City , Maryland
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
- David Hooker, Savannah, GA
Our deepest condolences to our beloved American family, especially to Laura, Pepa, Trey and Eli from us and from my mother, her aunt Amparo. The loss of Carlos has been a hard hit for everyone because of how fast he has unfortunately been and how young he was still. He was and is also my dearest cousin, we are only 3 years apart in age and although we have always been separated by an ocean, we have shared many experiences together in the USA and in Spain. I would highlight his willingness to always help, his sympathy, his exquisite education, his nobility and his ability to have a good time. We will miss him very much and we will never forget him. Rest in Peace and God bless you.
- Gonzalo Pascual Navarro, Valencia, España
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I met Carlos while working with Laura in the plastics industry long before Laura moved into real estate. My wife and I even got to meet his dad who lived in the Atlanta area. Laura and I traveled a lot together. When they moved to Maryland I was fortunate to be invited into their home where I got to spend precious time with Carlos. He even took me kayaking. He truly was the most interesting man. Over the years, we stayed in touch where I got to see the family grow. It was a blessing to see love in action. May the family and friends find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Carlos my friend, Rest in peace.
- Mitch and Sheila Willis, Smokerise, Georgia
Dear Laura, what a beautiful tribute to Carlos. He lived and loved so fully. My heart hurts for you and the kids. Love to you all during this incredibly difficult time.
- Kristen Wigh Goodman, Savannah, GA
Our prayers, thoughts and love are with the family.
- Bill and Sydney Heard, Franklin, GA
A candle has been lit!
RIP my friend!
- Tom Brown, Woodstock, GA
I am truly sorry for your loss. To say I'm devastated is an understatement. Laura, Pepa, Trey & Elli, I can't put it into words any response that would aleviate your pain. Losing such a great beacon of hope and positive energy, I am sure is unimaginable. The fact so many people are also devastated, shows what a great person and a positive force in life Carlos was to so many. Please try to stay strong, as I know you will, and God bless and you and the family. You are in my prayers.
- Mark Kupris, Atlanta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 12:00p.m. on Sat, March 28, 2026
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406