William Warner Hahn

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Celebrating the life of
William Warner HahnDecember 10, 1919 - January 05, 2011

Hahn, William Warner, 91, of Savannah, GA, formerly of New Hope, PA and Wellsburg, W.VA died January 5, 2011. Bill was born December 10, 1919 in Wellsburg, W VA. At 14 years of age, Bill began working at Millington Motor Sales. By age 15 he was tasked with driving new cars from Detroit to Wellsburg. It began a lifelong love affair with automobiles. While working as a plant superintendent for Arkell and Smiths, Bill enlisted in the US Army Air Force prior to United States entrance into WWII. During WWII Bill served thirty nine months overseas with the 57th Fighter Group, 65th Squadron, stationed in North Africa, Corsica and Italy. During his service in WWII, Bill earned the Legion of Merit for his contribution to the design and installation of a bomb release for the P-47 resulting in the P-47's success as a low-level strafing and dive-bombing aircraft. He was awarded the Middle East Ribbon with nine Battle Stars for his service in the Mediterranean and Middle East Theater. Additionally, Bill received the Bronze Star, three Presidential Unit Citations, and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.

After the war, Bill was named Plant Manager of a start-up operation in Mobile, Alabama. This was followed by another Plant Managers's start up assignment at Gillman Paper and Bag operation in St. Mary's, GA. Bill was then hired to overhaul and improve production of a plant in New Hope, PA. Union Camp Corporation bought that operation in 1958 and Bill became the General Manager. Bill was responsible for developing the "cement barrier bag" which prevented cement from hardening while in storage, the charcoal "Matchlight" bag and was instrumental in bringing the "stepped-end" paper sack to America.

In 1972, Bill was transferred to the Union Camp Savannah Mill as the General Manager of the Multiwall-Specialty Operation. Under his leadership the operation became profitable. Bill retired in 1982 after 24 years with Union Camp and a working lifetime in the paper bag industry. After retiring from Union Camp, Bill went on to establish his own corporation and remained involved with the paper sack industry until 1995 and age 75, making close friends on both coasts, as well as internationally.
In all of those years and activities Bill never lost his optimism or his love for cars, golf, good friends, travel and family. He was loyal, caring, compassionate, and a wonderful storyteller. The support of his wife, Shirley, was always present and appreciated by Bill.

He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Roxy Hahn and his granddaughter, Kathryn Titus. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Arbogast Hahn, Savannah; his children, Jeffrey Hahn, Atlanta, GA., Roxie and Keith Oberg, Silver Lake, PA; six grandchildren, Michael and Ashley Hahn, Bluffton, SC., David Hahn, Bluffton, SC., Rebecca and Jeff Smith, Binghamton, NY., Courtney Hahn and Brittney Hahn, Atlanta, GA., and Matthew Oberg, Silver Lake, PA as well as sister-in-law Dorothy Arbogast Vincent, Follansbee, W.VA., a niece and nephew, three great grand-children and many wonderful friends.

Thank you to the medical staff of Island Hospice, most particularly Kristie, and the offices of Drs. Bradley and Georgescu for their excellent care and concern.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Funeral: 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church with Reverend Dr. John Wall officiating.

Remembrances: Donations in Bill's memory can be made to the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, or, the 57th Fighter Group WWII Memorial, The New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT. 06096 Attn. Mike Speciale.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, Georgia

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GUEST BOOK

Bill was a great friend and golf companion. Bill had great insight and always thoroughly examined issues from all sides before developing a thoughtful position.

- Matt McCollum, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Hahn, Michael, David and family, I was very sorry to hear of your Pop-Pop's passing. I know that he was a good man and served as a strong source of guidance in your lives. He will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

- Paul Bland, Savannah, GA

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Hahn family. Michael, I wish I knew your grandfather, for I am sure he has shared many stories with you and your family. I know you will miss him. Sorry bud. Sincerely, Steve

- Steve Crawford, Jr., Waynesboro, GA

Mrs. Hahn, Roxie, and Jeffrey, we were saddedned and sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bill Hahn, a man of strong faith, character, integrity, morals, values, and principles. May God continue to bless and watch over the Hahn family.

- Richard & Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA

Bill introduced me to the wonderful world of packaging. I have many wonderful memories of trips we made together, and good times we shared. He touched the lives of many who knew him, and he will be missed by all.

- Ken Dyer, Roswell, GA

I can't help but recall many wonderful rounds of golf with Bill. He was a gentlemen to all and a friend to mankind.

- Bill Harvey, Ephrata, PA

Dear Shirley and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Bill's passing.He was a true gentleman and good friend.He will be missed and you will be in our prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

Nana, Karen and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and I am proud to have known Pop-Pop. Take care. Love, Mike and Karen Titus

- Mike Titus, Rochester, NY

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFUL CONDOLENCES. WE WILL MISS SEEING HIS SMILING FACE AND ENLIGHTENING CONVERSATION. WE ARE ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL FOR HIS GUIDANCE,INSPIRATION AND EXAMPLE TO MICHAEL, THEREBY MOLDING THE MAN HE IS TODAY.

- TOM, DIANNE&HAROLD RISHER, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC