Celebrating the life of
Gaines Gregory Sewell
March 09, 1950 - January 05, 2011
SAVANNAH – Gaines Gregory Sewell died Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born March 9, 1950 in Rock Hill, SC, he graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1969. He received bachelors and masters degrees in Criminal Justice from Armstrong Atlantic State University and a masters degree in Public Administration from
Columbus State University.
He was a member of the Fenian Society of Savannah, The Hibernian Society of Savannah and the Savannah Golf Club.
Greg retired as Major and Director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Regional Police Academy in Savannah, a position he held for 22 years and where he was instrumental in transitioning the Police Academy Training into the University System.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Gaines E. Sewell, Jr. and his mother, Loretta Morgan Sewell Groves.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Butler Sewell to whom he was happily married for thirty six years; two sons, Gregory Gaines Sewell and wife Blair Capallo Sewell, and Francis Ryan Sewell and wife Sarah Kindred Sewell, as well as future grandson Gregory Gaines Sewell, Jr. Gaines. Greg is also survived by his sister, Celeste Sewell Montgomery and husband George, as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
Greg's life was devoted to his beloved wife, family, and friends. His favorite pastimes included boating, fishing, golfing, and all things related to the University of Georgia, most especially supporting his two cherished sons who ran track and played football for the Dawgs.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
There will be a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at St. James Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer Foundation at St. Joseph's/Candler Health System, 5353 Reynolds St., Savannah, GA 31405.
Peggy: I was so sorry to read of Greg's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. My memories of Greg and you are good ones. In case you don't recognize my last name, I was married to Steve Adams and now use my maiden name. May God be with you. Claudette Tucker
- Claudette Tucker, Savannah, GA
To the Sewell family, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Sewell's medical struggles. We are praying for your family in this very sad time.
- Debbie Graus, Broomfield, CO
I send my condolences to Greg's family. He was a good man and we have lost an outstanding member of BC class of 69.
- Joe Coffey, Garden City, GA
I send my condolences to Greg's family. He was a good man and we have lost an outstanding member of BC class of 69.
- Joe Coffey, Garden City, GA
God bless you and your family, Peggy. I was so sorry to hear of you loss. You are in my prayers.
- mary jo adams, savannah, GA
So sorry to hear about your loss. We will never forget the football tailgating memories that we have with him! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Philip and Kristen Cranmer
- Kristen, Atlanta, GA
Your St. Joseph's/Candler'family' holds your family in our prayers during these difficult days. May you feel our prayers surrounding you in a cloak of comfort.
- A Cannella-Mission Services, Savannah, GA
I am deeply wounded by the loss of such a great man and uncle. I will think of hm everyday and try to remember the good times.
- melissa smith, pooler, GA
I was shocked to hear of Greg's passing. I enjoyed very much all the BC games when the boys were in school, and talking UGA football at The Hibernian meetings. Our hearts go out to all of you. May God bless and confort you during this most difficult of times.
- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Savannah, GA
Greg and Ryan, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. In the few months I got to hang out with your family, your Dad was also so kind and always welcomed me into your home. I can't imagine the loss you guys are feeling. I hope you find some comfort and peace in knowing a lot of people are praying for you all and that you will see Him again one day. Please give your mom and your wives my condolences as well. Alana
- Alana Smith Grosse, Savannah, GA
Peggy, Greg and Ryan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
- Jan Welsh, savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family Peggy....
- Jack Weathers, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers to one of the closest, toughest, greatest families I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I love all of ya'll and will continue to pray for you. I'll always remember Mr. Greg for his booming voice, mountain of a man presence, and contagious smile. I feel very privileged to have known him...
- Alan Barnes, Cartersville, GA
Ryan: My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Stay strong and please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you. Gwin & Mark
- Gwin Baker, Richmond Hill, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of Greg.He was a good and honorable man.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Peggy & family. God bless & comfort you all. Greg was an awesome person, devoted to family, friend to many. My mentor & friend who helped me choose the right paths in life. I am truly blessed and grateful to have known him.
- Theo Trott, Oklahoma City, OK
On behalf of the staff at Naval Health Clinic Charleston, we wish to send our condolences to the family of Major Sewell on this occasion. May his memory comfort you in the days ahead. Executive Officer, Naval Health Clinic Charleston, SC.
- Steve Johnson Brasington, Goose Creek, SC
Greg was a great boss and a great friend. His impact on my life will always be greatly appreciated. I am a better person for having known and worked with him. My condolences to Peggy, Greg, and Ryan.
- Hal Braswell, SAVANNAH, GA
My prayers for the family. Greg's laugh and smile will be missed. I worked, golfed, and was a Fenian brother with Greg, I will always recall his spirit and humor.
- Bill Harvey, Ephrata, PA
With Deepest Sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
- Consuelo Parker, Laurel, MD
My deepest condolences to Peggy and sons, and family.
- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Greg is no longer in any pain. He is beside the lord.
- Mark McCartha, savannah, GA
Greg was both a friend and a mentor to not only myself but to many of the current Law Enforcement Officers in this region. His dedication to professionalism and training was instrumental in shaping and enhancing the lives and careers of others. He will be truly missed.
- Mark Rich, ,
Greg has been a good friend and fellow officer for many years. We both remember the Savannah Police Department when it wasn't the Metropolitan Police Department. I remember when the Police Academy moved from the Police department to become part of Armstrong where he would be the director. At first I wasn't sure if that was the right move. However, under his leadership the academy became the most efficiently run academy in the state of Georgia. One of my fondest memories of Greg is the time he took me out on his new boat. There were 6 foot swells and we bounced up and down as we sailed out to sea. When we reached the 'sacred fishing hole', Greg opened the bait box and pulled out a squid. That's all it took... and the heaving began! When we returned to shore, Greg informed me that he wouldn't normally go out in 6 foot seas, but he had promised me a fishing trip in his new boat, but didn't want to dissappoint me! We laughed all the way home. This is my favorite memory of our friendship. He was a great friend and will be dearly missed.
- Dan and Dawn Reynolds, ,
Peggy - you and your family are in our prayers. Greg touched so many lives in the time God gave him on earth, and now he is resting in His loving hands. All our love - Pat and Joe Valenzano
- Pat and Joe Valenzano, Gilroy, CA
Peggy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Just remember that God now holds Greg in the Palm of His Hand.
- Bernie & Angie Foran, Savannah, GA
Greg and Ryan- My prayers go out to you and your loved ones at the loss of your father. He was a unique, unforgettable individual who will be missed tremendously by all that knew him. In celebration of his life, my thoughts go out to you all, ms
- M. Santos, Tampa, FL; UGA '02,'08, GA
So very sorry to hear about your loss. My thought and prayers are with you. God be with you at this difficult time when your heart is so full of pain. When I think of Greg, I always think of him smiling. God bless!!!!
- Jo McCutchen, Savannah, GA
Peggy: I was so sorry to read of Greg's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. My memories of Greg and you are good ones. In case you don't recognize my last name, I was married to Steve Adams and now use my maiden name. May God be with you. Claudette Tucker
- Claudette Tucker, Savannah, GA
To the Sewell family, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Sewell's medical struggles. We are praying for your family in this very sad time.
- Debbie Graus, Broomfield, CO
I send my condolences to Greg's family. He was a good man and we have lost an outstanding member of BC class of 69.
- Joe Coffey, Garden City, GA
I send my condolences to Greg's family. He was a good man and we have lost an outstanding member of BC class of 69.
- Joe Coffey, Garden City, GA
God bless you and your family, Peggy. I was so sorry to hear of you loss. You are in my prayers.
- mary jo adams, savannah, GA
So sorry to hear about your loss. We will never forget the football tailgating memories that we have with him! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Philip and Kristen Cranmer
- Kristen, Atlanta, GA
Your St. Joseph's/Candler'family' holds your family in our prayers during these difficult days. May you feel our prayers surrounding you in a cloak of comfort.
- A Cannella-Mission Services, Savannah, GA
I am deeply wounded by the loss of such a great man and uncle. I will think of hm everyday and try to remember the good times.
- melissa smith, pooler, GA
I was shocked to hear of Greg's passing. I enjoyed very much all the BC games when the boys were in school, and talking UGA football at The Hibernian meetings. Our hearts go out to all of you. May God bless and confort you during this most difficult of times.
- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Savannah, GA
Greg and Ryan, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. In the few months I got to hang out with your family, your Dad was also so kind and always welcomed me into your home. I can't imagine the loss you guys are feeling. I hope you find some comfort and peace in knowing a lot of people are praying for you all and that you will see Him again one day. Please give your mom and your wives my condolences as well. Alana
- Alana Smith Grosse, Savannah, GA
Peggy, Greg and Ryan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
- Jan Welsh, savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family Peggy....
- Jack Weathers, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers to one of the closest, toughest, greatest families I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I love all of ya'll and will continue to pray for you. I'll always remember Mr. Greg for his booming voice, mountain of a man presence, and contagious smile. I feel very privileged to have known him...
- Alan Barnes, Cartersville, GA
Ryan: My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Stay strong and please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you. Gwin & Mark
- Gwin Baker, Richmond Hill, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of Greg.He was a good and honorable man.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Peggy & family. God bless & comfort you all. Greg was an awesome person, devoted to family, friend to many. My mentor & friend who helped me choose the right paths in life. I am truly blessed and grateful to have known him.
- Theo Trott, Oklahoma City, OK
On behalf of the staff at Naval Health Clinic Charleston, we wish to send our condolences to the family of Major Sewell on this occasion. May his memory comfort you in the days ahead. Executive Officer, Naval Health Clinic Charleston, SC.
- Steve Johnson Brasington, Goose Creek, SC
Greg was a great boss and a great friend. His impact on my life will always be greatly appreciated. I am a better person for having known and worked with him. My condolences to Peggy, Greg, and Ryan.
- Hal Braswell, SAVANNAH, GA
My prayers for the family. Greg's laugh and smile will be missed. I worked, golfed, and was a Fenian brother with Greg, I will always recall his spirit and humor.
- Bill Harvey, Ephrata, PA
With Deepest Sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
- Consuelo Parker, Laurel, MD
My deepest condolences to Peggy and sons, and family.
- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Greg is no longer in any pain. He is beside the lord.
- Mark McCartha, savannah, GA
Greg was both a friend and a mentor to not only myself but to many of the current Law Enforcement Officers in this region. His dedication to professionalism and training was instrumental in shaping and enhancing the lives and careers of others. He will be truly missed.
- Mark Rich, ,
Greg has been a good friend and fellow officer for many years. We both remember the Savannah Police Department when it wasn't the Metropolitan Police Department. I remember when the Police Academy moved from the Police department to become part of Armstrong where he would be the director. At first I wasn't sure if that was the right move. However, under his leadership the academy became the most efficiently run academy in the state of Georgia. One of my fondest memories of Greg is the time he took me out on his new boat. There were 6 foot swells and we bounced up and down as we sailed out to sea. When we reached the 'sacred fishing hole', Greg opened the bait box and pulled out a squid. That's all it took... and the heaving began! When we returned to shore, Greg informed me that he wouldn't normally go out in 6 foot seas, but he had promised me a fishing trip in his new boat, but didn't want to dissappoint me! We laughed all the way home. This is my favorite memory of our friendship. He was a great friend and will be dearly missed.
- Dan and Dawn Reynolds, ,
Peggy - you and your family are in our prayers. Greg touched so many lives in the time God gave him on earth, and now he is resting in His loving hands. All our love - Pat and Joe Valenzano
- Pat and Joe Valenzano, Gilroy, CA
Peggy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Just remember that God now holds Greg in the Palm of His Hand.
- Bernie & Angie Foran, Savannah, GA
Greg and Ryan- My prayers go out to you and your loved ones at the loss of your father. He was a unique, unforgettable individual who will be missed tremendously by all that knew him. In celebration of his life, my thoughts go out to you all, ms
- M. Santos, Tampa, FL; UGA '02,'08, GA
So very sorry to hear about your loss. My thought and prayers are with you. God be with you at this difficult time when your heart is so full of pain. When I think of Greg, I always think of him smiling. God bless!!!!
- Jo McCutchen, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
