Celebrating the life of
Donald Edwin (Donnie) Anderson
November 16, 1948 - October 23, 2026
https://www.saintmichaelstybee.org/#live
Donald Edwin “Donnie” Anderson, Sr., 77, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, at his home on Tybee Island, surrounded by his loving family.
Donnie was born on November 16, 1948, in Savannah, the youngest of three sons of Freddie and Eloise Anderson. He spent his entire life on Tybee Island.
In 1972, Donnie married the love of his life, Nancy Owen, whom he had been friends with since they were 10 years old. Over 54 years of marriage, their family grew to include four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Savannah High School in 1967, Donnie served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. That same year, he began a 39-year career in law enforcement with the Savannah Beach (now Tybee Island) Police Department, where he became the first member of the department to graduate from the Georgia Police Academy. He quickly rose to the rank of sergeant, and in 1975 he joined the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, where he served until his retirement in 2011. For more than 30 years, he served as Undersheriff of Chatham County under Sheriffs Carl Griffin, Walter Mitchell, and Al St. Lawrence.
Donnie dedicated his life to serving others. He was deeply involved at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where he served in the Men’s Club and oversaw the CYO. As a member of the Tybee Island Athletic Association, he helped coach youth baseball and managed the equipment for the Tybee Dolphins youth football team. He was also a member of the Savannah Beach Jaycees and the Tybee Island Marine Rescue Squadron, and a longtime member of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
Through his years with the St. Michael’s CYO and Tybee youth sports programs, Donnie became known as “Uncle D” to generations of Tybeenians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Eloise Anderson; his brothers, Arte and Freddie; his daughter, Catherine; and his in-laws, Jack and Corine Owen.
In addition to Nancy, his wife of 54 years, Donnie is survived by his sons, Dee and his wife, Linda; Brian; and Fred and his wife, Julie. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Candace Woodward, Amelia Anderson, Ruby Anderson, Parker Richardson, Karla Whittier, Brandi Howell, and Joey Carder; and his great-grandchildren, Jamie York, Brandon York, Zach Bagley, Hannah Bagley, Asher Carder, Greyson Carder, and Haddie Gene Carder.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 27th from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island.
Arrangements are by Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Worked under him for a lot of years. Best Under Sheriff ever!
- Herb Harley, Savannah, Ga
Such a sweet man. He will be missed. Hugs and prayers for all.
- SUE HAGINS, Savannah, GA
It was truly a pleasure and an honor to be Mr. Donnie's caregiver over the past couple of years. He became part of my daily routine, and I will always cherish the time I spent caring for him. He will always hold a special place in my heart. May he rest peacefully.
- Keewanna Reynolds, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
My condolences to the family. May happy memories bring you peace and comfort. He was a wonderful person.
- Sandra Piper Williams , Walhalla, SC
Donnie was so good to us. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and all who loved him. He will be missed.
- Joe and Leigh, Pooler, GA
A mentor and example for so many Tybee kids. Sending live to your family.
- Carlin Conleay Dixon, Honolulu , HI
Our hearts and prayers are with your family.
- Art and Evie Davis , Savannah, GA
Worked with Donnie for many years at the Chatham County Sheriff's department. Yes he was the best undersheriff Chatham county ever had. A find gentleman and a credit to the law enforcement community. God bless him and prayers to his family.
- Richard Hood, Guyton, Ga.
Nancy and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Donnie. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Melinda Paige Saunders
- Saunders, Savannah , Ga
Nancy, Dee, Brian, Fred and Family, We have so many wonderful memories of Donnie. The many oyster roasts, your Mom's Pool, kids birthday parties, coaching T-Ball at JC Park, and so much more. He was a great friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Donnie was kind to everyone he met. Also a great Under Sherriff as per Charlie. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Jackie and Charlie and boys
- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia
I worked with Donnie for over 40 years and he was always a professional in every aspect. He was also one of the last truly “Good Guys” at the courthouse. May God rest .
- Danny DeLoach, Savannah , GA
A candle has been lit!
Nancy, Dee, Brian, and Fred. I am so sorry for your loss! I remember all the baseball trips and gatherings so fondly! He was one of the best men I've ever met! He loved all his boys so much and loved all his grandchildren even more! I really got to know Pops well when I was a caregiver for Nancy's mom, Mrs.Owen! I would always make sure that he had his sweet tea in the fridge and always ask him what he wanted me to cook next! He loved my Salmon patties! He treated me like I was one of his kids, my daughter, Emma, just like she was one of his own grandchildren! He was such a sweet man! Towards the end, would always call Nancy and check on him, and I always would tell Nancy that I was so sorry for not being able to be there for her and help her, because they were always so good to me and my family! I love ya'll and I'm so sad and sorry that I couldn't be there to help more! All of you are in my prayers!
- Laura Cowart , Tybee Island , GA
Nancy & family, I am so sorry to hear about Donnie's passing. I remember him, very well, from back in the day at all those fabulous family July 4th gatherings. I knew him as "the sheriff", but now I understand he was much more than that. I am honored to have known him as such a hero to his community, at church, in youth sports, and a US Navy veteran. Definitely a life well lived!
- Michael Quirion, Columbus, Georgia
Donnie was such a sweet man and fantastic Papa! He will be missed by all who knew him. Love and hugs to his family.
- Jan Mock & Allene Reagin, Tybee Island , Georgia
Dee and Linda, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for God to lay his loving and comforting hand upon you both. I know this is a very difficult time but please know lots and lots of people have ya'll in their prayers!
- Ann Cain , Clarkesville, GA
Praying for God's peace and comfort during this time for you and your family. God Bless
- Pat Smith, Clarkesville, GA
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Praying for God's comforting hand to be upon you all in the coming days.
- TIm Sims, Clarkesville, GA
Dear Nancy, Dee, Brian, Fred and all of the Family of Donnie, I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you for the loss of Donnie. He was such a kind man, full of laughter, yet, quiet when need be. I pray that he may find peace in God's heavenly kingdom. I send my love & prayers to all of you, and ask that God watch over each and every one of you now, and in the days ahead.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee , GA
God bless all of you as you mourn Donnie's loss. He was a fine man, a great boss and will always remember his smile. He leaves behind a great legacy of family, personally and professionally.
- James Moore and family, Pembroke, Ga
I knew Donnie when I worked for Chatham County. He was always a gentleman and very professional. My condolences to his friends and family.
- Emily Garrard, Savannah, GA
We extend our deepest condolences to the entire family of Undersheriff Donnie Anderson. For many years, Undersheriff Anderson was my immediate supervisor at CCSO. I could not have asked for a kinder, gentile person than him. May he sleep in Heavenly Peace!! And may the sweet commune of the Holy Spirit comfort you all, is my prayer.
- Kimberly Middleton, Bloomingdale, Georgia
Worked for him for many years. A truly great boss. He genuinely cared for the people under him.
- Russell "Rusty" Smith, Pooler, Georgia
Dear Nancy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember fondly our good times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Dan & Linda Brown, Weaverville, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Visitation
- 4:00 - 5:30 pm on Tue, October 27, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Rosary
- 5:30 pm on Tue, October 27, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Memorial Mass
- 10:00 am on Wed, October 28, 2026
- St. Michael's Catholic Church
-
802 Lovell Ave. (map)
Tybee Island GA 31328 - 912-786-4505

