Celebrating the life of
Thomas Jackson Sullivan, Sr.
January 29, 1920 - August 07, 2012
Savannah- Thomas Jackson, "Jack" Sullivan, Sr., passed away at his home on August 7, 2012.
He was born in Augusta, Georgia, on January 29, 1920, to Jerry Michael and Chessie Barker Sullivan. He married Catherine Margaret Nappier on May 15, 1948; and became the parents of Jack, Jr. Stella; Carol Warren Thompson, Jerry Karen, all of Savannah, Georgia; and, Jesse Sheila of Kathleen, Georgia. Mrs. Sullivan passed away in 1994.
Jack served in the Georgia Army National Guard until his unit was activated in 1941. As a sergeant, he was with the 118th Field Artillery, 30th Infantry Division, during WWII, landing on Omaha Beach, in the "third wave", after D-Day and serving throughout Europe until they met the Russians at the Elbe River in April, 1945. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate Bergen-Belsen and Dachau Concentration Camps. He earned his pilot license in May 1947, and joined the Georgia Air National Guard in October of 1947. He was recalled to active duty in the USAF, in 1950, during the Korean Conflict. He was the Flight Chief in the 158th and 140th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons in Victorville, CA, and Denver, CO. He was honorably discharged from both the Army and the Air Force. He retired from Central of Georgia/Southern Railroad, in 1982, after 35 years of service, as a switch engine foreman.
He was a member of Bible Baptist Church; past-president of the Wilmington Island Lions Club; a past president of the Savannah Chapter of the Southeastern Gospel Singing Association; member of the Savannah Volunteer Guards; member of the Savannah Association of Flying Air National Guardsmen; and the United Transportation Union Railroad.
In addition to his wife, Mary Byrd Douglas Sullivan, and his four children, he is survived by eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one step-daughter, two step-grandchildren, and four step great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, August 9th, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, in Savannah.
The funeral service will be Friday, August 10th, 11:00 am, at Bible Baptist Church, 4700 Skidaway Rd., in Savannah. Interment will follow in Greenwich Cemetery off Bonaventure Rd.
Pallbearers will be his sons, Jack Sullivan, Jr., Jerry Sullivan, Jesse Sullivan; and his grandsons, Jerry Michael Sullivan, Jesse C. Sullivan, Randy Thompson, and David Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in his memory, to Islands Hospice; P.O. Box 8011; Savannah, Georgia 31401.
Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Jackie, Jerry, Jesse, Carol, Mary What wonderful memories we will all have of this amazing man. His great smile, sweet spirit, and the laughter he gave us will remain in our hearts forever. I am truly blessed to have known Uncle Jack.
- Catherine Thomas, Temple, GA
Jesse and Jerry, Please know that your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of grief.
- Travers Grant, Macon, GA
Dear, Jesse, Jerry, Jackie, Carol, and Family, So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to each of you. Many fond childhood memories came rushing back today. Your father was a giant of a man in every way. My prayers are with you all.
- David R. Drawdy, Springfield, GA
Though he will be missed here he has been welcomed by a host of his good friends and especilally his friend our Lord and Savior in his new home. Let the peaceful thought of this bring all of you comfort in this time of your loss. I'm sure he's entertaining the angles now with his clowning around.
- Bonnie McIver, Eden, GA
My thought are with you both Mary & Pam, and your famlies. I am sorry for your loss.
- Karen Drinnen, , FL
Dear Sullivan Family, We are sorry to hear of your recent loss and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this trying time. May GOD bless you all. The Hayes Family
- Mike Hayes, Richmond Hill, GA
DEAR MRS SULLIVAN AND FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE JACK WAS A VERY GOOD MAN WE LOVED HIM ALSO MAY IT COMFORT YOUR HEARTS TO KNOW HE IS WITH GOD NOW NO MORE PAIN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. LOVE IN CHRIST EDWARD COCHRAN AND LINDA CUMMINGS. THE MASTERS CLASS.
- EDWARD COCHRAN, SAVANNAH, GA
jack jerry jesse we were sorry to hear that your dad passed away what a great person he was a smile for everyone.karol
- karol edwards, savannah, GA
I will always remember visiting your house and how Mr. Sullivan always made sure we left with a smile on our face..such a fun loving man...may your memories of him bring a smile to your face..such a fine generous giving man of himself...Jessie..Jackie ..Jerry..Carol..and families we are sorry for your loss....And offer our deepest sympathy...
- Lehman and Jenniee Brannen, Savannah, GA
Jesse, heard from my sister Patsy this morning that your dad had passed away, and wanted to let you know how much it saddened me. He was a great man, I can still remember when he caught us feeding goldfish to the pet raccoon you had at the time. I am working in North Carolina, will try to be home in time for the funeral.
- Bobby Durden, Savannah, GA
Mrs Mary and Jack's family, please know that your sorrow at Jack's passing is being shared by everyone that knew him. He was unique; the most loving, giving, joyful man I've ever known. Remember his joyful life as you go through this difficult time, and know that he's with his Lord now listening to the gospel hymns he loved.
- Stella Overstreet, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear about your father.
- David Weeks, Savannah, GA
We were forturnate at all events to have entertainment. Uncle Jack always clowned around and put on his own show for us all. When we visited Savannah, he was an excellent tour guide....we would go all around downtown, the docks, etc. and he knew facts about all the places we went and could make it so interesting. The little cookout house was a special place, too. He thought of everything in there, from the black light, trains, piano, etc to the flowers and fountain outside. He kept the house 'ice' cold which I loved and knew everybody that has ever been born, it seemed : He was good to all of us and always welcomed you in his home and did everything he could do to make you feel at home. So many memories are coming to me! But I loved him. We all did!
- Cheryl Norris, Beech Island, SC
Jack was a special man and loved by all of us in the Jackson Hewitt family which includes his wife Mary. Our prayers are with his family
- Wayne Knight, Rincon, GA
Jesse and Family, We are truly sorry for your loss and know that your Dad will be greatly missed. My memories of him when we were working together at the Hardware Store are still such wonderful memories. We did get to see him in his later years at Gospel concerts and church events and He was constantly bringing smiles to everyone. Never in my life have I known such a man as jovial, energetic and full of charisma as he was. I do believe the Angels in heaven are now smiling more than they ever have. May God be with you and we send our love and prayers. Danny, Dee and Ashley Kramer
- Danny & Dee Kramer, Savannah, GA
Jerry and Jesse, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Michelle Outland, Savannah, GA
Jackie, Jerry, Jesse, Carol, Mary What wonderful memories we will all have of this amazing man. His great smile, sweet spirit, and the laughter he gave us will remain in our hearts forever. I am truly blessed to have known Uncle Jack.
- Catherine Thomas, Temple, GA
Jesse and Jerry, Please know that your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of grief.
- Travers Grant, Macon, GA
Dear, Jesse, Jerry, Jackie, Carol, and Family, So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to each of you. Many fond childhood memories came rushing back today. Your father was a giant of a man in every way. My prayers are with you all.
- David R. Drawdy, Springfield, GA
Though he will be missed here he has been welcomed by a host of his good friends and especilally his friend our Lord and Savior in his new home. Let the peaceful thought of this bring all of you comfort in this time of your loss. I'm sure he's entertaining the angles now with his clowning around.
- Bonnie McIver, Eden, GA
My thought are with you both Mary & Pam, and your famlies. I am sorry for your loss.
- Karen Drinnen, , FL
Dear Sullivan Family, We are sorry to hear of your recent loss and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this trying time. May GOD bless you all. The Hayes Family
- Mike Hayes, Richmond Hill, GA
DEAR MRS SULLIVAN AND FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE JACK WAS A VERY GOOD MAN WE LOVED HIM ALSO MAY IT COMFORT YOUR HEARTS TO KNOW HE IS WITH GOD NOW NO MORE PAIN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. LOVE IN CHRIST EDWARD COCHRAN AND LINDA CUMMINGS. THE MASTERS CLASS.
- EDWARD COCHRAN, SAVANNAH, GA
jack jerry jesse we were sorry to hear that your dad passed away what a great person he was a smile for everyone.karol
- karol edwards, savannah, GA
I will always remember visiting your house and how Mr. Sullivan always made sure we left with a smile on our face..such a fun loving man...may your memories of him bring a smile to your face..such a fine generous giving man of himself...Jessie..Jackie ..Jerry..Carol..and families we are sorry for your loss....And offer our deepest sympathy...
- Lehman and Jenniee Brannen, Savannah, GA
Jesse, heard from my sister Patsy this morning that your dad had passed away, and wanted to let you know how much it saddened me. He was a great man, I can still remember when he caught us feeding goldfish to the pet raccoon you had at the time. I am working in North Carolina, will try to be home in time for the funeral.
- Bobby Durden, Savannah, GA
Mrs Mary and Jack's family, please know that your sorrow at Jack's passing is being shared by everyone that knew him. He was unique; the most loving, giving, joyful man I've ever known. Remember his joyful life as you go through this difficult time, and know that he's with his Lord now listening to the gospel hymns he loved.
- Stella Overstreet, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear about your father.
- David Weeks, Savannah, GA
We were forturnate at all events to have entertainment. Uncle Jack always clowned around and put on his own show for us all. When we visited Savannah, he was an excellent tour guide....we would go all around downtown, the docks, etc. and he knew facts about all the places we went and could make it so interesting. The little cookout house was a special place, too. He thought of everything in there, from the black light, trains, piano, etc to the flowers and fountain outside. He kept the house 'ice' cold which I loved and knew everybody that has ever been born, it seemed : He was good to all of us and always welcomed you in his home and did everything he could do to make you feel at home. So many memories are coming to me! But I loved him. We all did!
- Cheryl Norris, Beech Island, SC
Jack was a special man and loved by all of us in the Jackson Hewitt family which includes his wife Mary. Our prayers are with his family
- Wayne Knight, Rincon, GA
Jesse and Family, We are truly sorry for your loss and know that your Dad will be greatly missed. My memories of him when we were working together at the Hardware Store are still such wonderful memories. We did get to see him in his later years at Gospel concerts and church events and He was constantly bringing smiles to everyone. Never in my life have I known such a man as jovial, energetic and full of charisma as he was. I do believe the Angels in heaven are now smiling more than they ever have. May God be with you and we send our love and prayers. Danny, Dee and Ashley Kramer
- Danny & Dee Kramer, Savannah, GA
Jerry and Jesse, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Michelle Outland, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
