Celebrating the life of
Edward (Ted) L. Colby III
November 21, 1967 - November 19, 2016
Edward (Ted) L. Colby III passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on November 19, 2016 while in Atlanta to celebrate his best college friend's 50th birthday and to attend a Georgia Tech football game. He left us much too soon, just two days before his 49th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Leah McGriff Colby, daughter, Lauren Morgan (12), son, Ethan Laurence (9), parents Linda & Edward L. (Larry) of New London, NH; sister, Mary Colby (Becky Conzett) of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by George P. Burdell.
Ted was born at Fort Rucker, Alabama, moving multiple times throughout his life to wonderful places including Germany, Virginia, Kansas and his favorite place, Oahu, Hawaii, as his father, Larry, pursued a career as an Army lawyer and judge.
Ted graduated from The Donoho School in Anniston, Alabama (1986) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (1991). He moved to Savannah after college, working as a construction project manager at several firms, most recently at Potter Construction as well as his family firm, First City Utilities. Ted was very involved in supporting the local Georgia Tech alumni association, serving for many years as the organizer of the annual golf tournament to provide scholarships for local students.
An avid college football fan, Ted was a dedicated Yellow Jacket. Saturdays were sacrosanct, from the beginning of Gameday until the clock ran out on the day’s final ACC or SEC game.
As a teenager living in Hawaii, Ted developed a love for surfing. As an adult, he continued to body board, at Tybee on the rare occasion of “big waves,” more often taking the family on impromptu trips to chase waves in St. Augustine Beach or Melbourne. In 2014, Ted was thrilled to take Leah on her first trip to Hawaii, serving as the most competent and excited tour guide possible. Exploring his Hawaii with his wife and children in the spring of 2016 was one of his happiest moments.
Visitation will be held at Fox & Weeks on Whitemarsh Island on Friday, November 25, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with a memorial service following at 3:00 p.m. Attire is “Ted casual”; GT, aloha, or dressy beach attire is entirely appropriate.
Since death wasn't originally God's purpose for mankind, it is very painful to deal with, but please read the wonderful hope that The Bible holds out for us all at Revelation 21:3&4.
- , ,
Peggy and I are at a loss for words to express our most heartfelt and sincere thoughts and condolences in Ted's passing. My memory of him from Ft McClellan was that of a small boy, much like his dad. Our prayers are with you, Linda, Leah, children and his beloved family. God bless you all.
- Butch & Peggy Bearden, Valrico, FL
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I knew Ted from gymnastics at the Y. He always would talk to me and was so sincere and just a great person. We are so sorry for your loss.
- Jaime Dersch and Lily Schainholtz , Savannah , Ga
Leah, May you see God's light on the path ahead When the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, Even in your hour of sorrow, The gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness Never turn your heart to stone, May you always remember when the shadows fall— You do not walk alone. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Bruce Jones, Richmond Hill, GA.,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Ted through the WPHOA. I so enjoyed his sense of humor and love of people. I also got to see him when I walked my dog through the neighborhood. Please know I send my sincere sympathies to you and your children. Genie Ogden
- Eugenie Ogden, Savannah, GA
The Bakers wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Colby family. I feel blessed to have known Ted & call him a true friend through the years. We saw very little of each other since parting ways after graduating; but I came to look forward to hearing from Ted before & after Tech football games. His enthusiasm was infectious. I pray for peace in this terribly difficult time.
- Todd Baker, Fredericksburg , VA
My prayers and condolences are sent to the family. I will miss him and boys visits to Publix.
- Gwendolyn A Green , Savannah, Ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Ted has always had such an out going and enthusiastic personality and supported his children in their endeavors. We will miss his smile and the way he could make anyone laugh. May God be with all of you and give you you peace
- Carol and Cary Tanrath , Savannah, Ga
Ted was one of a kind! We have great memories with him at Ga. Tech and can't believe the news of his passing. We pray for strength and peace for his family and friends at this difficult time. Laura & PJ McInerny
- PJ & Laura McInerny, Fort Worth, Tx
From all of us, you will be kept in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven has gained a great soul.
- Juli Kapheim, Heather Ruland, Tarrolyn Knowles, Krista Mercure, Pamela Kent, Beth McQuaide, Savannah , G
Colby Family, Ted a great man, husband, and father. Please accept our condolences. It was an honor to have known such a great person and he will be truly missed. May God embrace you and your family during this difficult time. We know that God has assigned him to watch over you and your family.
- Boies Family, Savannah, GA
From all of McLendon Enterprises, we want to extend our deepest condolences. Ted was one of the finest guys we worked with, and he will be deeply missed.
- McLendon Enterprises Inc, Savannah, GA
Ted will always be in our memories. From those first days I met Ted at the fraternity at Georgia Tech, his free spirit and unbridled enthusiasm for life was refreshing. I will treasure the times spent with Ted and be thankful for being able to catch up with him during the recent Atlanta trip for the Tech game. God bless Ted and Go Jackets!
- Mark Ellard, Orlando, FL
From all the church family we extend our condolences to all the family and friends of Ted. We have and continue to hold You up in our prayers. Our Lord says He will give us peace that passeth all understanding and we pray this for You and Yours. God Bless
- Neeley's Chapel Baptist Church, New Market, AL
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family. I can only imagine the intense pain you are dealing with having lost Ted all too soon. In your time of sorrow, may God's promises bring a measure of comfort to your hearts. John 5:28,29 ; Psalm 37:29
- Lewis, ,
Dear Leah, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Teri
- Teri Dougal, Savannah, GA
Leah, I'm so sorry to hear about Ted. I went to Donoho with Ted and was on the football team with him. We were a tight-nit group at Donoho because there were so few of us, and I can tell you that all of his friends from Anniston share in your grief. We all love Ted for many of the same reasons you do. Please know that you, Lauren, Ethan and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Butch Parris, Madison, AL
I continue to keep this family in our prayers at this very sad time. God will be with you to wrap his arms around and the community is here for anything we can do.
- O'Berry Family, Savannah, GA
We are all praying for you and your family ???
- McIncrow Family, Savannah, GA
Leah, thoughts and prayers to your family. Please find peace in the growing number of comments and the out pouring of love for you and your family. May God bless you and your family.
- The Randall Stewart Family , Hazel Green , AL
Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. I only got to meet Ted once, but I remember that you were happy and that was all it took to make him a great guy in my book. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. With love.
- Beth Douglas, Hazel Green, AL
My heart is heavy for you all. Please know you are in my prayers now and in the future as you all continue this tough path. I wish I could be there to give you a hug! Much love! Lori
- Lori Crownover, Nashville, TN
Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Sending hugs from Hazel Green Alabama
- Meighan Cornelius Reese, Hazel Green, AL
Leah, Linda, Larry, Mary and loved ones I send my heartfelt sympathy! God be with you as you say earthly goodby to your beloved husband, father, son brother and friend. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers. ?
- ?Becky Branch, Brunswick, Ga
So very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family. God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble Psalms 46:1
- Don and Kathy Warden, Meridianville, AL
What a beautiful spirit!! Thinking of you all and may God wrap around you with his loving arms and provide some comfort. We are here for you!! Much love!!
- Robin Elliott-Ghalleb, New York, NY
I'm so sorry for your lose and my heart goes out for you and the children. I lost my father at the age of 48, you are never prepared to lose someone at such a young age. You, Lauren, and Ethan are in our prayers. Love you all!
- Kristina Eskridge Mitchell , Columbia , Mo
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was one of Ted's fraternity brothers at GT my first 2 years of college. Ted was a great friend and quite a character and I'm sure will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
- David Barnes, Richmond, VA
So sorry to hear, my condolences. - John, fraternity brother at Tech
- John Seckman, Marietta , Ga
Leah, Lauren, and Ethan, Our hearts break for you. Ted was one of sweetest, most genuine people we've met since we moved here. He always made it a point to speak when we would see him in Cancuns (which btw was every time we went) or at school functions. His sweet smile and fun-loving personality will be missed!
- Chris, Laurie, Addison, and Brooke Johnskn, Savannah, Ga
I met Ted for the first time in1983 while visiting with his uncle Sandy' in Hawaii we had just recently married and I was meeting the family . I remember him as a skinny ,bronze tossle haired blond always on the go,.A budding surfer bursting with the vitality of youth. I got to know him better after his marriage to Leah and birth of his children when occasionally family gathering occurred . He was a lovely man . And will be sorely missed. Janice colby
- Janice colby, Ipswich , Mass
Leah and Family, I am so sorry for your lose. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Heather Aeger, Savannah, GA
Low country boil, Led Zep, family dinner at Little Lake Sunapee, zip lining (seeing Ted hanging upside down) holding baby Sequel-all happy memories that will now be treasured more than ever. Love you always, "Ant" Fi
- Fiona Petersen (aunt), Andover, NH
Mrs. Colby, My thoughts are prayers are with you and your children during this difficult time. I can not imagine how difficult this must be for you. I pray that God will you all the strength that you need to get through this.
- Karen Sutton, Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so very sorry for your loss- thank you for sharing about Ted's life in his obituary.
- Salli Eve, Savannah , Ga
I am so very sorry for your loss- thank you for sharing about Ted's life in his obituary.
- Salli Eve, Savannah , Ga
Leah, We will miss Ted so very much. While we morn our loss, we will celebrate his life. He was big and loud in a room and always shared a happy smile. Our prayers are with you, Lauren, Ethan and all of the Colby family. God be with you.
- Bill Hussey / Anne Maxwell, Covington, LA
Leah, Lauren & Ethan...the entire Kee Family would like to express our sympathy to each of you in the loss of your amazing dad & husband, and a friend to so many. We lift you up in prayer that God will wrap you in His loving arms & provide peace, comfort & sustain you with strength in the days to come. Love & hugs from our family to yours~
- The Kee Family, Athens, GA
Leah, I'm sorry for your lost. My prayers goes up for you, Lauren and Ethan.
- Patrice Prince, Pooler, GA
Leah I am very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting your husband when you were at Southwest. You and your family are in my prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
- Felecia Franklin, Savannah, Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss sweet lady. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You and your children are in my prayers.
- Valerie Urreta, Pooler, GA
Leah, My heart goes out to you, Lauren and Ethan during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- Michelle Hodges, Savannah, Georgia
Thinking of you and your family. Sending love.
- Amy Perry, Savannah, GA
Leah, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Always to you and your family, Meredith and Justin
- Meredith McCorkle and Justin LeLoup, Savannah, Ga
Leah, I pray that God will comfort you and the children during this time of loss! You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Gail
- Gail Gordon, Ellabell, Ga
It is with great sorrow that we admit the reality of Teds passing. We miss him. He had such great passion for life. You always knew when he entered a room, his voice, his laugh,his Hawaiian shirt. Leah, Ethan and Lauren hold onto the sweet memories. Our prayers are with you.
- Mark and Penny Potter, Guyton, GA
Leah, you and the children have been in my thoughts & prayers. May you feel Ted's presence in your treasured memories & the condolences of dear friends. Hugs to all of you...
- Lorelei Faucette, Savannah , GA
Leah we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Ted was a unique character who could make anybody laugh. We will sorely miss him on the court and hope you, Ethan, and Lauren can relish in the times you all shared. he loved all of you so much
- Charlie, Holly, Lexie, Vree, and Lilly, Savannah, Ga
Leah, Ted never failed to ask how I was doing. Just a few weeks ago he said "so you've got your hair back , not me". Love you much! Stephanie
- , ,
My heart is with all of you during this difficult time. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here if you need anything.
- Amanda Wooten, Savannah, GA
Since death wasn't originally God's purpose for mankind, it is very painful to deal with, but please read the wonderful hope that The Bible holds out for us all at Revelation 21:3&4.
- , ,
Peggy and I are at a loss for words to express our most heartfelt and sincere thoughts and condolences in Ted's passing. My memory of him from Ft McClellan was that of a small boy, much like his dad. Our prayers are with you, Linda, Leah, children and his beloved family. God bless you all.
- Butch & Peggy Bearden, Valrico, FL
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I knew Ted from gymnastics at the Y. He always would talk to me and was so sincere and just a great person. We are so sorry for your loss.
- Jaime Dersch and Lily Schainholtz , Savannah , Ga
Leah, May you see God's light on the path ahead When the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, Even in your hour of sorrow, The gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness Never turn your heart to stone, May you always remember when the shadows fall— You do not walk alone. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Bruce Jones, Richmond Hill, GA.,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Ted through the WPHOA. I so enjoyed his sense of humor and love of people. I also got to see him when I walked my dog through the neighborhood. Please know I send my sincere sympathies to you and your children. Genie Ogden
- Eugenie Ogden, Savannah, GA
The Bakers wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Colby family. I feel blessed to have known Ted & call him a true friend through the years. We saw very little of each other since parting ways after graduating; but I came to look forward to hearing from Ted before & after Tech football games. His enthusiasm was infectious. I pray for peace in this terribly difficult time.
- Todd Baker, Fredericksburg , VA
My prayers and condolences are sent to the family. I will miss him and boys visits to Publix.
- Gwendolyn A Green , Savannah, Ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Ted has always had such an out going and enthusiastic personality and supported his children in their endeavors. We will miss his smile and the way he could make anyone laugh. May God be with all of you and give you you peace
- Carol and Cary Tanrath , Savannah, Ga
Ted was one of a kind! We have great memories with him at Ga. Tech and can't believe the news of his passing. We pray for strength and peace for his family and friends at this difficult time. Laura & PJ McInerny
- PJ & Laura McInerny, Fort Worth, Tx
From all of us, you will be kept in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven has gained a great soul.
- Juli Kapheim, Heather Ruland, Tarrolyn Knowles, Krista Mercure, Pamela Kent, Beth McQuaide, Savannah , G
Colby Family, Ted a great man, husband, and father. Please accept our condolences. It was an honor to have known such a great person and he will be truly missed. May God embrace you and your family during this difficult time. We know that God has assigned him to watch over you and your family.
- Boies Family, Savannah, GA
From all of McLendon Enterprises, we want to extend our deepest condolences. Ted was one of the finest guys we worked with, and he will be deeply missed.
- McLendon Enterprises Inc, Savannah, GA
Ted will always be in our memories. From those first days I met Ted at the fraternity at Georgia Tech, his free spirit and unbridled enthusiasm for life was refreshing. I will treasure the times spent with Ted and be thankful for being able to catch up with him during the recent Atlanta trip for the Tech game. God bless Ted and Go Jackets!
- Mark Ellard, Orlando, FL
From all the church family we extend our condolences to all the family and friends of Ted. We have and continue to hold You up in our prayers. Our Lord says He will give us peace that passeth all understanding and we pray this for You and Yours. God Bless
- Neeley's Chapel Baptist Church, New Market, AL
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family. I can only imagine the intense pain you are dealing with having lost Ted all too soon. In your time of sorrow, may God's promises bring a measure of comfort to your hearts. John 5:28,29 ; Psalm 37:29
- Lewis, ,
Dear Leah, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Teri
- Teri Dougal, Savannah, GA
Leah, I'm so sorry to hear about Ted. I went to Donoho with Ted and was on the football team with him. We were a tight-nit group at Donoho because there were so few of us, and I can tell you that all of his friends from Anniston share in your grief. We all love Ted for many of the same reasons you do. Please know that you, Lauren, Ethan and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Butch Parris, Madison, AL
I continue to keep this family in our prayers at this very sad time. God will be with you to wrap his arms around and the community is here for anything we can do.
- O'Berry Family, Savannah, GA
We are all praying for you and your family ???
- McIncrow Family, Savannah, GA
Leah, thoughts and prayers to your family. Please find peace in the growing number of comments and the out pouring of love for you and your family. May God bless you and your family.
- The Randall Stewart Family , Hazel Green , AL
Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. I only got to meet Ted once, but I remember that you were happy and that was all it took to make him a great guy in my book. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. With love.
- Beth Douglas, Hazel Green, AL
My heart is heavy for you all. Please know you are in my prayers now and in the future as you all continue this tough path. I wish I could be there to give you a hug! Much love! Lori
- Lori Crownover, Nashville, TN
Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Sending hugs from Hazel Green Alabama
- Meighan Cornelius Reese, Hazel Green, AL
Leah, Linda, Larry, Mary and loved ones I send my heartfelt sympathy! God be with you as you say earthly goodby to your beloved husband, father, son brother and friend. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers. ?
- ?Becky Branch, Brunswick, Ga
So very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family. God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble Psalms 46:1
- Don and Kathy Warden, Meridianville, AL
What a beautiful spirit!! Thinking of you all and may God wrap around you with his loving arms and provide some comfort. We are here for you!! Much love!!
- Robin Elliott-Ghalleb, New York, NY
I'm so sorry for your lose and my heart goes out for you and the children. I lost my father at the age of 48, you are never prepared to lose someone at such a young age. You, Lauren, and Ethan are in our prayers. Love you all!
- Kristina Eskridge Mitchell , Columbia , Mo
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was one of Ted's fraternity brothers at GT my first 2 years of college. Ted was a great friend and quite a character and I'm sure will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
- David Barnes, Richmond, VA
So sorry to hear, my condolences. - John, fraternity brother at Tech
- John Seckman, Marietta , Ga
Leah, Lauren, and Ethan, Our hearts break for you. Ted was one of sweetest, most genuine people we've met since we moved here. He always made it a point to speak when we would see him in Cancuns (which btw was every time we went) or at school functions. His sweet smile and fun-loving personality will be missed!
- Chris, Laurie, Addison, and Brooke Johnskn, Savannah, Ga
I met Ted for the first time in1983 while visiting with his uncle Sandy' in Hawaii we had just recently married and I was meeting the family . I remember him as a skinny ,bronze tossle haired blond always on the go,.A budding surfer bursting with the vitality of youth. I got to know him better after his marriage to Leah and birth of his children when occasionally family gathering occurred . He was a lovely man . And will be sorely missed. Janice colby
- Janice colby, Ipswich , Mass
Leah and Family, I am so sorry for your lose. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Heather Aeger, Savannah, GA
Low country boil, Led Zep, family dinner at Little Lake Sunapee, zip lining (seeing Ted hanging upside down) holding baby Sequel-all happy memories that will now be treasured more than ever. Love you always, "Ant" Fi
- Fiona Petersen (aunt), Andover, NH
Mrs. Colby, My thoughts are prayers are with you and your children during this difficult time. I can not imagine how difficult this must be for you. I pray that God will you all the strength that you need to get through this.
- Karen Sutton, Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so very sorry for your loss- thank you for sharing about Ted's life in his obituary.
- Salli Eve, Savannah , Ga
I am so very sorry for your loss- thank you for sharing about Ted's life in his obituary.
- Salli Eve, Savannah , Ga
Leah, We will miss Ted so very much. While we morn our loss, we will celebrate his life. He was big and loud in a room and always shared a happy smile. Our prayers are with you, Lauren, Ethan and all of the Colby family. God be with you.
- Bill Hussey / Anne Maxwell, Covington, LA
Leah, Lauren & Ethan...the entire Kee Family would like to express our sympathy to each of you in the loss of your amazing dad & husband, and a friend to so many. We lift you up in prayer that God will wrap you in His loving arms & provide peace, comfort & sustain you with strength in the days to come. Love & hugs from our family to yours~
- The Kee Family, Athens, GA
Leah, I'm sorry for your lost. My prayers goes up for you, Lauren and Ethan.
- Patrice Prince, Pooler, GA
Leah I am very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting your husband when you were at Southwest. You and your family are in my prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
- Felecia Franklin, Savannah, Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss sweet lady. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You and your children are in my prayers.
- Valerie Urreta, Pooler, GA
Leah, My heart goes out to you, Lauren and Ethan during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- Michelle Hodges, Savannah, Georgia
Thinking of you and your family. Sending love.
- Amy Perry, Savannah, GA
Leah, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Always to you and your family, Meredith and Justin
- Meredith McCorkle and Justin LeLoup, Savannah, Ga
Leah, I pray that God will comfort you and the children during this time of loss! You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Gail
- Gail Gordon, Ellabell, Ga
It is with great sorrow that we admit the reality of Teds passing. We miss him. He had such great passion for life. You always knew when he entered a room, his voice, his laugh,his Hawaiian shirt. Leah, Ethan and Lauren hold onto the sweet memories. Our prayers are with you.
- Mark and Penny Potter, Guyton, GA
Leah, you and the children have been in my thoughts & prayers. May you feel Ted's presence in your treasured memories & the condolences of dear friends. Hugs to all of you...
- Lorelei Faucette, Savannah , GA
Leah we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Ted was a unique character who could make anybody laugh. We will sorely miss him on the court and hope you, Ethan, and Lauren can relish in the times you all shared. he loved all of you so much
- Charlie, Holly, Lexie, Vree, and Lilly, Savannah, Ga
Leah, Ted never failed to ask how I was doing. Just a few weeks ago he said "so you've got your hair back , not me". Love you much! Stephanie
- , ,
My heart is with all of you during this difficult time. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here if you need anything.
- Amanda Wooten, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

