Celebrating the life of
Joseph Gerald "Big Joe" Sauers, Sr.
September 06, 1926 - December 29, 2013
Joseph Gerald "Big Joe" Sauers, Sr., 87, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013 after a long illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. and Helen Brady Sauers, his brothers, C. E. Sauers, Jr., Edward Eddie Sauers, daughter, Jean Carol and great grandson, John Patrick Sauers and his beloved wife of 55 years, Jean Collins Sauers.
Joseph attended Benedictine School, but when WWII occurred, he left school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. He served aboard a crash boat in the navy and achieved the rank of Seaman 1st. Class. After the war, Joe returned to Savannah to graduate from Benedictine in 1947. He married Jean Carol Collins on September 24, 1949 and continued in his father's footsteps at Sauers Drug Store. He eventually retired in 1992. After his retirement, he worked as a ranger at the Wilmington Island Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 631, the Irish Heritage Society and St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Joe was awarded the prestigious Gartland Service Award in 2006, an award he was very humbled to receive. Big Joe was an avid golfer and enjoyed teaching all of his sons the game. He also coached football and baseball with his sons at Nativity School. Joe was respected by all in the community and loved watching those he saw at the drug store grow up. Many said he went out of his way to help the neighbors in his community. He was an active communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church where he was also longtime employee.
He leaves behind to cherish and live by his standards, five sons, Joseph, Jr. Tracy, David Cindy, Robert Susan, Bruce Diane and Gene Tammy; grandchildren, Kelli, Joseph Danyelle, Andrew Brandi, Zachary, David, Jr., Stephen Angela, Patrick Catherine, Brandon Caroline, Adam, Geno, Rhett, Dylan Sauers, Katherine Dukes Billy, Brooker Forkin Keith, five great grandchildren, Stella, CiCi, Stephen, Thomas and Reid.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff from Summer Breeze Assisted Living and Hospice Savannah, Inc. for the care given to Joe during his illness.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2014 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with the rosary at 6:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2014 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Interment: Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 7020 Concord Rd., Savannah, GA 31410, Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406, Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, Senior Citizens, Inc. Meals on Wheels, 3028 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
We worked together and at the same had fun together
- Bob Zuccarini, Savannah, GA
Dear Sauers Family We are deeply saddened by your loss of Joe and know how much he will be missed. Our family was among the many whom he helped at the pharmacy and became friendly with as family carpooled in Fernwood to Nativity with Jean. Mr.& Mrs Ciucevich Jr.
- Delores& Joe Ciucevich Jr., , GA
My thoughts and prayers to all of Mr. Sauers family. He was always a help to our needs at his drug store. My schoolbus stop was at his drug store when I went to May Howard School, Wilmington Island. He was such a kind, caring man. I know he will be missed, but now my mom and dad will get to visit with him again. God Bless.
- Mary Ann McAllister Courson, Brunswick, GA
Sorry for you loss. Our sympathy goes out to the entire Sauer's family. May God Bless all of you and help you all in your time of sorrow. Kimberly, Scott & Sierra Michel Myrle Olson, Sr.
- Kimberly Olson Michel, Savannah, GA
They will always be with you,whatever you do and wherever you go.For now,may caring thoughts from others help you through.
- Irmgard Reagan, Savannah, GA
Sauers Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy. Jerry, Carole Wesse
- Carole Wesse, Pooler, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may you be comforted by the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. The fond rememberences shared by friends in this guestbook is a testament to what Mr. Sauers meant to so many and how he touched their lives- what a great way to remember him. May God hold you all in the palm of his hands.
- Tommy Butler, Tybee Island, GA
Your dad was a very special person and a good friend to my parents, Mary & Charlie Donnelly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remember to keep the good memories close to your heart.
- Maureen Donnelly Evans, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
- Mark Harrison, Richmond Hill, GA
Bobby and family, Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. My parents were John & Tina Sullivan. My parents and I went to the Nativity Church. We also visited the Sauers Drug store. My father was a good friend of your dad. I will miss him. Christine G. Sullivan-Westgate
- Christine Georgia Sullivan Westgate, Richmond Hill, GA
To my 5 self proclaimed brothers I don't even really know where to begin but I will start with Big Joe was a second Dad to the Wolfe family. Growing up with ya'll brings back so many wonderful memories that will be cherished for the rest of my life. I'm praying for all of you and want you to know that if you need anything please let me know. I love ya'll.
- Linda Wolfe Huggins, Savannah, GA
Love to a special family group. Love you Joyce
- JOYCE PRESCOTT, TYBEE ISLAND,, GA
Sorry for your loss,Joe was a class act.Jules Paderewski
- jules paderewski, savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss. He was a very good man
- Johnny Kameron, Augusta, GA
Bobby, Very sorrow to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Palmer
- Palmer Byrd, Birmingham, AL
Frank and I are so sorry for your loss. Joe was truly a remarkable person who we loved dearly.
- Diana and Frank Paris, Savannah, GA
Although I didn't know Big Joe, I knew several of his sons and their character reflected an excellent upbringing. May God's peace be in you and all of your family.
- Tim Gallagher, Davie, FL
I have always counted Joe as one of the finest people I have ever known and a true friend. He will be missed. My condolences to all the boys and their families.
- Darrell Goforth, Savannah, GA
Joe was like a Brother to me, an I loved him like a Brother, I know GOD will welcome Joe, because Joe worked all his life for him. David
- David Collins, Birmingham, AL
Bobby, Bruce and the rest of the Sauers family, Barbara and I are sad to hear of Big Joe's passing. Your dad was a great and funny guy. I still remember some of his coaching 'tips' from Nativity. Please accept our condolences and prayers for you and your families. God Bless. Charlie
- Charlie and Barbara Daly, Charlotte, NC
Bobby & Gene, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time since we have had contact but I know growing up, our parents made such great memories for us. Hold tight to those memories, I know there will be a large void left by your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with your families. Audrey
- Audrey Schaaf Lewis, Claxton, GA
I was sorry to see that Joe had passed away. May he rest in peace.
- Bob White,Jr, Greensboro, GA
Dearest Sauers Family: To say your father and family member was one of my favorite people in the whole world is an understatement! When my husband and I were blessed with our first child, Dawn, Joe would deliver the formula in our case...multiple kinds till be found the right one! to my in-laws, Billy and Bea Shepard's house on Hawaii Avenue if I was unable to get to the drug store. Over the years, we made Sauers Drug Store our family store. There could not have been a more wonderful, helpful person that Joe and we will miss him every day. May the wonderful memories you have of this wonderful person sustain your family and continue to bless your hearts as Joe did ours.
- Carolyn Carroll, Rincon, GA
Big Joe' was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by all his friends and especially family. So many good times to remember! Luvya, Joe!
- John Best, Birmingham, AL
Pa Pa Joe, as he was so fondly known, may you rest in peace now. Your smiling, happy face will never be forgotten. Nor will your unending kindness. I know dad is happy to have his lunch buddy with him so, ya'll have a good one for me! Lots of love and prayers to all of the Sauers family, Theresa
- Theresa Mulherin Agnew, Savannah, GA
I will miss him greatly and will always remember Uncle Joe the way he was when I was growing up. The family gatherings were very special to me.
- Cliff and Kay North, Lexington, NC
Joe, You have always been a hero and legend to all and always will be. I don't even know where to begin. I do know I am thankful all you did for our family through the years. You will always be one of my Dad's best friends.It always puts a smile on my face when I think about the times you called our house and would call me 'Sexy Sadie'. You are no longer suffering and we should all be thankful for that. My heart is heavy for all your boys and their families. Sending love you all...
- Ann Miller, Savannah, GA
To the entire Family, A true long,lasting friend has departed.I spent many happy times with Joe at the drug store,the Muny,church and in the neighborhood when he visited his Brady relatives.I never heard an unkind word said about Joe.He was a great guy and he will be missed by many.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sauers. He was always a sweet, caring man with a smile on his face. My thoughts and sympathy to his family .
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Charlotte, NC
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sauers. He was always a sweet, caring man with a smile on his face. My thoughts and sympathy to his family .
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Charlotte, NC
Dear Joe, Tracy and Sauers Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
- Arthur & Phyllis Weil, Savannah, GA
Big Joe was a great man and had a heart as big as Texas, he reminded me so much of my daddy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Ann Braddy Cosnahan, Guyton, GA
We worked together and at the same had fun together
- Bob Zuccarini, Savannah, GA
Dear Sauers Family We are deeply saddened by your loss of Joe and know how much he will be missed. Our family was among the many whom he helped at the pharmacy and became friendly with as family carpooled in Fernwood to Nativity with Jean. Mr.& Mrs Ciucevich Jr.
- Delores& Joe Ciucevich Jr., , GA
My thoughts and prayers to all of Mr. Sauers family. He was always a help to our needs at his drug store. My schoolbus stop was at his drug store when I went to May Howard School, Wilmington Island. He was such a kind, caring man. I know he will be missed, but now my mom and dad will get to visit with him again. God Bless.
- Mary Ann McAllister Courson, Brunswick, GA
Sorry for you loss. Our sympathy goes out to the entire Sauer's family. May God Bless all of you and help you all in your time of sorrow. Kimberly, Scott & Sierra Michel Myrle Olson, Sr.
- Kimberly Olson Michel, Savannah, GA
They will always be with you,whatever you do and wherever you go.For now,may caring thoughts from others help you through.
- Irmgard Reagan, Savannah, GA
Sauers Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy. Jerry, Carole Wesse
- Carole Wesse, Pooler, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may you be comforted by the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. The fond rememberences shared by friends in this guestbook is a testament to what Mr. Sauers meant to so many and how he touched their lives- what a great way to remember him. May God hold you all in the palm of his hands.
- Tommy Butler, Tybee Island, GA
Your dad was a very special person and a good friend to my parents, Mary & Charlie Donnelly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remember to keep the good memories close to your heart.
- Maureen Donnelly Evans, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
- Mark Harrison, Richmond Hill, GA
Bobby and family, Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. My parents were John & Tina Sullivan. My parents and I went to the Nativity Church. We also visited the Sauers Drug store. My father was a good friend of your dad. I will miss him. Christine G. Sullivan-Westgate
- Christine Georgia Sullivan Westgate, Richmond Hill, GA
To my 5 self proclaimed brothers I don't even really know where to begin but I will start with Big Joe was a second Dad to the Wolfe family. Growing up with ya'll brings back so many wonderful memories that will be cherished for the rest of my life. I'm praying for all of you and want you to know that if you need anything please let me know. I love ya'll.
- Linda Wolfe Huggins, Savannah, GA
Love to a special family group. Love you Joyce
- JOYCE PRESCOTT, TYBEE ISLAND,, GA
Sorry for your loss,Joe was a class act.Jules Paderewski
- jules paderewski, savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss. He was a very good man
- Johnny Kameron, Augusta, GA
Bobby, Very sorrow to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Palmer
- Palmer Byrd, Birmingham, AL
Frank and I are so sorry for your loss. Joe was truly a remarkable person who we loved dearly.
- Diana and Frank Paris, Savannah, GA
Although I didn't know Big Joe, I knew several of his sons and their character reflected an excellent upbringing. May God's peace be in you and all of your family.
- Tim Gallagher, Davie, FL
I have always counted Joe as one of the finest people I have ever known and a true friend. He will be missed. My condolences to all the boys and their families.
- Darrell Goforth, Savannah, GA
Joe was like a Brother to me, an I loved him like a Brother, I know GOD will welcome Joe, because Joe worked all his life for him. David
- David Collins, Birmingham, AL
Bobby, Bruce and the rest of the Sauers family, Barbara and I are sad to hear of Big Joe's passing. Your dad was a great and funny guy. I still remember some of his coaching 'tips' from Nativity. Please accept our condolences and prayers for you and your families. God Bless. Charlie
- Charlie and Barbara Daly, Charlotte, NC
Bobby & Gene, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time since we have had contact but I know growing up, our parents made such great memories for us. Hold tight to those memories, I know there will be a large void left by your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with your families. Audrey
- Audrey Schaaf Lewis, Claxton, GA
I was sorry to see that Joe had passed away. May he rest in peace.
- Bob White,Jr, Greensboro, GA
Dearest Sauers Family: To say your father and family member was one of my favorite people in the whole world is an understatement! When my husband and I were blessed with our first child, Dawn, Joe would deliver the formula in our case...multiple kinds till be found the right one! to my in-laws, Billy and Bea Shepard's house on Hawaii Avenue if I was unable to get to the drug store. Over the years, we made Sauers Drug Store our family store. There could not have been a more wonderful, helpful person that Joe and we will miss him every day. May the wonderful memories you have of this wonderful person sustain your family and continue to bless your hearts as Joe did ours.
- Carolyn Carroll, Rincon, GA
Big Joe' was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by all his friends and especially family. So many good times to remember! Luvya, Joe!
- John Best, Birmingham, AL
Pa Pa Joe, as he was so fondly known, may you rest in peace now. Your smiling, happy face will never be forgotten. Nor will your unending kindness. I know dad is happy to have his lunch buddy with him so, ya'll have a good one for me! Lots of love and prayers to all of the Sauers family, Theresa
- Theresa Mulherin Agnew, Savannah, GA
I will miss him greatly and will always remember Uncle Joe the way he was when I was growing up. The family gatherings were very special to me.
- Cliff and Kay North, Lexington, NC
Joe, You have always been a hero and legend to all and always will be. I don't even know where to begin. I do know I am thankful all you did for our family through the years. You will always be one of my Dad's best friends.It always puts a smile on my face when I think about the times you called our house and would call me 'Sexy Sadie'. You are no longer suffering and we should all be thankful for that. My heart is heavy for all your boys and their families. Sending love you all...
- Ann Miller, Savannah, GA
To the entire Family, A true long,lasting friend has departed.I spent many happy times with Joe at the drug store,the Muny,church and in the neighborhood when he visited his Brady relatives.I never heard an unkind word said about Joe.He was a great guy and he will be missed by many.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sauers. He was always a sweet, caring man with a smile on his face. My thoughts and sympathy to his family .
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Charlotte, NC
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sauers. He was always a sweet, caring man with a smile on his face. My thoughts and sympathy to his family .
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Charlotte, NC
Dear Joe, Tracy and Sauers Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
- Arthur & Phyllis Weil, Savannah, GA
Big Joe was a great man and had a heart as big as Texas, he reminded me so much of my daddy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Ann Braddy Cosnahan, Guyton, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
