Celebrating the life of
Donald H. "Don" Thigpen, Sr.
September 04, 1922 - January 26, 2011
DONALD H. DON THIGPEN, SR.
Donald H. Don Thigpen, Sr. 88, passed away January 26, 2011 at Riverview Nursing Home under the care of Hospice Savannah.
Born and raised in Savannah, GA he served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He retired as Chief of Import Control for U.S. Customs.
Don was the first president of the Barbershop Singing Preservation group in Savannah. He was a Master Mason of Acacia Lodge #452 F. & A.M. He was a volunteer at Candler Hospital for over 28 years and served on the State Auxiliary Board of Management. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Chatham County.
He, and wife Patty, were rose growers and traveled around the country and exhibited their roses. They won many awards and he was also an Emeritus Rose Judge and Consulting Rosarian.
He was predeceased by his parents, Travis T. and Meta M. Thigpen, son, Donald H. Donny Thigpen, Jr., 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; daughter and son-in-law, Georgia and Richard Edwards, grandchildren, Christine Jeff Williams, Rich Christy Edwards, Sean and Josh Thigpen, Ingrid and Greta Thigpen, great granddaughter, Alice Edwards, cats, Inky, Par and Lady, his first wife Mildred Croom, nieces, nephews, and son, Kirk.
Visitation will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Friday, January 28, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Graveside services will take place Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Father Patrick O'Brien officiating with Masonic Rites to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Elephant Sanctuary, P O Box 393, Hohenwald, TN 38462 or St. Vincent's Academy, 207 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31401.
Please sign our guest book online at www.foxandweeks.com.
Patty, I am so sorry, I just found out today that Don passed away. Please know we so enjoyed our visits with him over the years and will miss him terribly. We also miss you. Please let us know how you are doing and if you need anything. Love, Holly, Mike, AJ, and Sean Adams
- Holly Adams, , GA
Dear miss patti and family i was suprised to learn of mr don,s passing,he was an amazing man. i have very fond memories from the short time i worked with both you and the cats especially clarence and inky and the delicious meals that you prepared daily and the tireless love and support you gave to mr Don day in and out, you gave his life meaning and i was witness to the love he felt for you. my thoughts and prayers to you and miss Georgia and other family members that you,ll find the courage and strength to get through these sad times. sincerly phillip draughorne
- PHILLIP DRAUGHORNE, SAVANNAH, GA
PATTY, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. DON WILL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU. LOVE PAT
- PAT LITTLE, GUYTON, GA
Jean Northcott Bob Gould
- jean northcott, , GA
Dear Patty, Please accept my condolences and sympathy. Don was a delightful member of the group in our 'rose days' and I have fond memories of our times together. I am thinking of you. Blessings, Kitsy
- Kitsy Mostellar, Marietta, GA
Dear Patty and family, It was sad reading the paper this morning, but I know that Don is in a much better place. As you know, Don had a big influence on my life by introducing me to the sport of fencing when I was only 13. He was reticent to allow me into the club at such a young age, but thankfully he gave me the opportunity and many years later, I was thrilled to teach his nephew the sport. I always enjoyed our visits to discuss fencing, the waterfront and of course politics, though they weren't near as frequent as I wish they had been. I consider myself extremely lucky to have known him. My prayers are with you. Charlie
- Charles Williams, Savannah, GA
I remember all the rose shows you helped judge for us at Millen Rose Society. When I made my judges list for our shows, I always was able to count on you and your wife to be here for the show. For that we shall always be grateful. You were a great person and I shall miss you and your wit. God is truly lucky to have you to work in his beautiful rose gardens above. I look forward to our next meeting for we surely will meet again.
- Seth Benson, Millen, GA
Patty, I'm so thankful that roses brought us together, and I'll always remember the great times Rita and I shared with you and Don. Love-Mel Let's keep in touch.
- Mel Bough, Fort Myers, FL
Our memories of Don are so wonderful...from his gentle smile and caring way to that brilliant brain and his hilarious sense of humor. We had really good times and for that we will always be blessed to have been called his friends. Love,Joan and Howard
- Joan and Howard Bowen, Warner Robins, GA
Don was always a highlight in our lives when joining with Patty & Don on vacations, dining and visiting. He always made everyone feel welcome and was a kind spirit. Our banter on politics, religion, and general life experiences made our time together very enjoyable. Don will be missed and thought of often.
- Kathleen/Jeff Wachtel, Staten island, NY
Patty, I am so sorry, I just found out today that Don passed away. Please know we so enjoyed our visits with him over the years and will miss him terribly. We also miss you. Please let us know how you are doing and if you need anything. Love, Holly, Mike, AJ, and Sean Adams
- Holly Adams, , GA
Dear miss patti and family i was suprised to learn of mr don,s passing,he was an amazing man. i have very fond memories from the short time i worked with both you and the cats especially clarence and inky and the delicious meals that you prepared daily and the tireless love and support you gave to mr Don day in and out, you gave his life meaning and i was witness to the love he felt for you. my thoughts and prayers to you and miss Georgia and other family members that you,ll find the courage and strength to get through these sad times. sincerly phillip draughorne
- PHILLIP DRAUGHORNE, SAVANNAH, GA
PATTY, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. DON WILL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU. LOVE PAT
- PAT LITTLE, GUYTON, GA
Jean Northcott Bob Gould
- jean northcott, , GA
Dear Patty, Please accept my condolences and sympathy. Don was a delightful member of the group in our 'rose days' and I have fond memories of our times together. I am thinking of you. Blessings, Kitsy
- Kitsy Mostellar, Marietta, GA
Dear Patty and family, It was sad reading the paper this morning, but I know that Don is in a much better place. As you know, Don had a big influence on my life by introducing me to the sport of fencing when I was only 13. He was reticent to allow me into the club at such a young age, but thankfully he gave me the opportunity and many years later, I was thrilled to teach his nephew the sport. I always enjoyed our visits to discuss fencing, the waterfront and of course politics, though they weren't near as frequent as I wish they had been. I consider myself extremely lucky to have known him. My prayers are with you. Charlie
- Charles Williams, Savannah, GA
I remember all the rose shows you helped judge for us at Millen Rose Society. When I made my judges list for our shows, I always was able to count on you and your wife to be here for the show. For that we shall always be grateful. You were a great person and I shall miss you and your wit. God is truly lucky to have you to work in his beautiful rose gardens above. I look forward to our next meeting for we surely will meet again.
- Seth Benson, Millen, GA
Patty, I'm so thankful that roses brought us together, and I'll always remember the great times Rita and I shared with you and Don. Love-Mel Let's keep in touch.
- Mel Bough, Fort Myers, FL
Our memories of Don are so wonderful...from his gentle smile and caring way to that brilliant brain and his hilarious sense of humor. We had really good times and for that we will always be blessed to have been called his friends. Love,Joan and Howard
- Joan and Howard Bowen, Warner Robins, GA
Don was always a highlight in our lives when joining with Patty & Don on vacations, dining and visiting. He always made everyone feel welcome and was a kind spirit. Our banter on politics, religion, and general life experiences made our time together very enjoyable. Don will be missed and thought of often.
- Kathleen/Jeff Wachtel, Staten island, NY
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
