Celebrating the life of
Don Jeffrey McElveen
June 08, 1940 - November 15, 2016
Savannah - Don Jeffrey McElveen, 76, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on November 15, 2016, at Candler Hospital surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Savannah, Georgia, and was the son of Cluese and Mary Roddenbery McElveen. He started his lifelong career in the menswear business in 1960 at John B. Rourke, and after 55 years retired as co-owner. He took absolute pleasure in delighting longtime friends and customers with his impeccable sense of style and legendary service. He enjoyed a full and wonderful life blessed with God, family, and friends.
He was a member of Saint John’s Episcopal Church where he regularly attended services and was active in the Men’s Fellowship Group. Previously he served as a Deacon for Bull Street Baptist Church. He showed his love of the arts and care for the city through his support and involvement with the Telfair Museum, contribution to the Telfair Art Fair, and by serving on the Savannah Philharmonic Board of Directors.
He was a member of the Old Friends Society, Menswear Retailers of Georgia, First City Club, Telfair Museum, Rotary Club of Savannah, and many other organizations.
A quintessential gentleman who traveled the world and never meet a stranger, he made an impact on others through his charisma, his southern genteelness, and quick witted sense of humor. His memory continues to bring joy to his family and friends.
Surviving are his loving wife, Carolyn Luck McElveen, of Savannah; daughters Tracy Hinely (Barry) of Savannah, Laura Shepard of Atlanta; his grandchildren Tom Carfrey (Brittany), Sam Carfrey, Zoe Shepard, and Ian Shepard; siblings Andrea Richardson and Jim McElveen, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will honor his life at a memorial service at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Saint John’s Episcopal Church with a reception immediately following at the Green-Meldrim House.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401.
Dear Don------we will miss you. You were always what people expected a southern gentleman should be. We will miss seeing you around the island with your smile. You made life so much better after the fire for Freddie. You made a difficult time easier for us both. Just rest in peace and know that there are so many that will miss you.
- Louise and Freddie Harkavy, Savannah,, GA.
Celebrating a life well lived, I will cherish the memories of Don forever. Carolyn, Tracy, Laura and family, you have my love and sympathy at this difficult time. Sincerely, Mary Lawrence Kennickell
- , ,
Very sorry to hear the loss of this man who guided my husband and son for many years in his store. His loss is such a huge loss, no other personality like his, no one with his knowledge of juat the perfect match on color and material.. o will be able to dress my male members with the same degree of expertise and the wonderful smile.
- , ,
Carolyn & Family, Our hearts go out to you all. Don was such a great guy, always had a smile and was such a Gentleman. May The Lord bless you and help you thru this sad time.
- Joe & Vicki Anckner, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences for the passing of my good friend, Don.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, Ga
A refined and gentle soul. Soft spoken, humorous, a loyal friend. Our hearts are heavy. Rest in Peace
- Elizabeth Rousakis, Savannah, GA
Tracy, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope the good times you had & your memories will help through this difficult time. Praying for you and your family.
- Dawn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
Godspeed Don. When you get to those Pearly Gates don't try to sell Peter any new robes with Spandex or Polyester in them. He is a purist like yourself. Us Retailers will be looking for a new line called Heaven's Row that you can inspire. Heaven is a much better place my fine fine fellow.
- Dick Fowlkes, Richmond, VA
Dear family of Don, I met Don some 43 years ago when I was first starting in the menswear industry. He actually wrote the first order I received as a "road" man. He truly was my "Old Friend". I loved the man and the time we shared. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. David Lawrence
- David G. Lawrence, Daniel Island, SC
Nobody ever took as much time or care with me when I needed to upgrade my wardrobe as Don. He never made me feel anything but special when he was helping me find a shirt or going whole hog and outfitting me with a white tie get up. I'm not a fancy guy but Don made me feel upper class every time I ventured into JBR. He was constantly pleasant and upbeat. A gem of a guy. I suppose the holy trinity are in for a makeover; Don is coming and surely he will recommend some new, good looking threads for the guys. Peace out Don, you were a prince.
- Neff McIntosh, Thunderbolt , Ga
Don was a dear friend for 50+ years . I bought all my suits and sports wear from Don since the mid/1960's. He was a the very best men's clothing salesman . I moved to SC recently and our return visits to Savannah , I was priveleged to see Don at the Eisenhower Post Office on three different occasions .. My wife, Margie and myself will greatly miss Don .
- Herman Mongin, Elgin , SC
Tracy and Laura, so sorry to hear this news about Don. I wish I could give each of you a big hug. Deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family. You will be on my prayers. Although I have not seen your dad in years, he is a part of many memories from the past!
- Marilyn Bass, savannah, GA
I knew Don through the dental office where I work. He was one of my favorite patients! Always such a true gentleman & so kind! I will truly miss him!! Know that we'll be praying for your family.
- Amy Volskay, Savannah, Ga
I will surely miss Don. He was a mentor and one of my best friends. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with him and his family.
- Mark Lanier, Richmond Hill, GA
I am deeply saddened and sick at my heart, to learn that my mentor and friend Don, who I worked for at John B Rourke, while I went to SCAD in the 80's, has gone to be with the Lord! I will always remember his jovial personality, and elegant taste, as well as to me what John B Rourke stood for! He had such style and such a cheerful smile at all times! I am shocked that he is gone! I pray that his family will remember him as such a wonderful person. He truly was in a class unto himself! He will be missed!! Much love to his family, Ned
- Ned Williams, atlanta, ga
Don was a great guy and a great friend. We shall miss him. May he Rest In Peace. Best
- Archie Davis, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the McElveen Family on Don's passing. May the God of comfort grant you his peace and may you find comfort in the words of our Savior Jesus Christ ay John 5:28
- , Lawrenceville , Ga
Dear Don------we will miss you. You were always what people expected a southern gentleman should be. We will miss seeing you around the island with your smile. You made life so much better after the fire for Freddie. You made a difficult time easier for us both. Just rest in peace and know that there are so many that will miss you.
- Louise and Freddie Harkavy, Savannah,, GA.
Celebrating a life well lived, I will cherish the memories of Don forever. Carolyn, Tracy, Laura and family, you have my love and sympathy at this difficult time. Sincerely, Mary Lawrence Kennickell
- , ,
Very sorry to hear the loss of this man who guided my husband and son for many years in his store. His loss is such a huge loss, no other personality like his, no one with his knowledge of juat the perfect match on color and material.. o will be able to dress my male members with the same degree of expertise and the wonderful smile.
- , ,
Carolyn & Family, Our hearts go out to you all. Don was such a great guy, always had a smile and was such a Gentleman. May The Lord bless you and help you thru this sad time.
- Joe & Vicki Anckner, Savannah, GA
Please accept my condolences for the passing of my good friend, Don.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, Ga
A refined and gentle soul. Soft spoken, humorous, a loyal friend. Our hearts are heavy. Rest in Peace
- Elizabeth Rousakis, Savannah, GA
Tracy, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope the good times you had & your memories will help through this difficult time. Praying for you and your family.
- Dawn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
Godspeed Don. When you get to those Pearly Gates don't try to sell Peter any new robes with Spandex or Polyester in them. He is a purist like yourself. Us Retailers will be looking for a new line called Heaven's Row that you can inspire. Heaven is a much better place my fine fine fellow.
- Dick Fowlkes, Richmond, VA
Dear family of Don, I met Don some 43 years ago when I was first starting in the menswear industry. He actually wrote the first order I received as a "road" man. He truly was my "Old Friend". I loved the man and the time we shared. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. David Lawrence
- David G. Lawrence, Daniel Island, SC
Nobody ever took as much time or care with me when I needed to upgrade my wardrobe as Don. He never made me feel anything but special when he was helping me find a shirt or going whole hog and outfitting me with a white tie get up. I'm not a fancy guy but Don made me feel upper class every time I ventured into JBR. He was constantly pleasant and upbeat. A gem of a guy. I suppose the holy trinity are in for a makeover; Don is coming and surely he will recommend some new, good looking threads for the guys. Peace out Don, you were a prince.
- Neff McIntosh, Thunderbolt , Ga
Don was a dear friend for 50+ years . I bought all my suits and sports wear from Don since the mid/1960's. He was a the very best men's clothing salesman . I moved to SC recently and our return visits to Savannah , I was priveleged to see Don at the Eisenhower Post Office on three different occasions .. My wife, Margie and myself will greatly miss Don .
- Herman Mongin, Elgin , SC
Tracy and Laura, so sorry to hear this news about Don. I wish I could give each of you a big hug. Deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family. You will be on my prayers. Although I have not seen your dad in years, he is a part of many memories from the past!
- Marilyn Bass, savannah, GA
I knew Don through the dental office where I work. He was one of my favorite patients! Always such a true gentleman & so kind! I will truly miss him!! Know that we'll be praying for your family.
- Amy Volskay, Savannah, Ga
I will surely miss Don. He was a mentor and one of my best friends. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with him and his family.
- Mark Lanier, Richmond Hill, GA
I am deeply saddened and sick at my heart, to learn that my mentor and friend Don, who I worked for at John B Rourke, while I went to SCAD in the 80's, has gone to be with the Lord! I will always remember his jovial personality, and elegant taste, as well as to me what John B Rourke stood for! He had such style and such a cheerful smile at all times! I am shocked that he is gone! I pray that his family will remember him as such a wonderful person. He truly was in a class unto himself! He will be missed!! Much love to his family, Ned
- Ned Williams, atlanta, ga
Don was a great guy and a great friend. We shall miss him. May he Rest In Peace. Best
- Archie Davis, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the McElveen Family on Don's passing. May the God of comfort grant you his peace and may you find comfort in the words of our Savior Jesus Christ ay John 5:28
- , Lawrenceville , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
