Celebrating the life of
Spencer Long Edleman, Jr.
December 20, 1937 - October 17, 2010
CAPTAIN SPENCER LONG EDLEMAN SR. "BUBBA"
Savannah- He was the second son of five boys born to Captain Samuel W. Edleman and Adelaide Spencer Edleman, both pre-deceased, passed away under the care of Hospice Savannah on Sunday October 17th, 2010.
Spencer attended Charles Ellis Elementary, Washington Avenue Junior High and Savannah High School, all within walking distance of the Edleman family home on East 48th Street in Ardsley Park during his school years from 1943-1955.
Upon graduation from high school, he became an apprentice river pilot, was appointed a Certificate Pilot in 1967 and a Full Branch Pilot in 1969. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Captain Frank W. Spencer and his father, both of whom were Master Pilots for the port, he began a long career on the river. Spencer was known as "PILOT 4" on the river. During his apprenticeship on the pilot boats on the Bar, he was commended by the U.S. Coast Guard for rescuing a tugboat crewmember thrown overboard and knocked un-conscious while letting out a towing hawser.
During his long association with the Savannah Bar Pilots, he served as the Marine Superintendant for pilot boat crews, pilot boats, and Pilot Base on Cockspur Island and as a trainer for the Apprentice Pilot Program for new future river pilots to handle the larger ships calling on the port.
Spencer was a member of the American Pilots Association and Savannah Propeller Club. He was a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church. During his school years, Spencer and his brothers and cousins were members of the St. John's Episcopal Church Choir, lending a beautiful tenor voice to the ensemble. He also participated in several recitals because of his singing voice.
Captain Edleman is survived by his wife, Janice B. Edleman; son, Spencer "SLEJ" Long Edleman, Jr. Amanda; daughter, Jill DeWitt Eric, all of Savannah; brothers, Benjamin Cord of Savannah, Robert Daniel Bonnie Gaster of Tybee Island, Samuel Warren, Jr. Meg of Westminister, Md.; Aunt, Jeanne Henry of Savannah; brother-in-law, Keith Bragg of Savannah; sister-in-law, Brenda Bragg of Rincon and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Another brother, Eugene Barry passed away in 1993.
His remains will be cremated and ashes scattered at sea in a private ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc. P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, the American Cancer Society, 6600 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31405 or The Humane Society, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
Jan, we are so sorry to hear about Spence. The last we talked with him he sounded so optimistic and good. Determined to fight it. His usual low-key and factual self. We had no idea it was to that point. We have no excuses for not keeping a better tab on this situation. Just always thought the 'Spenster' would endure. He was a good solid human being and we are honored to have known him. I found out only by trying to find you two on facebook. When you can, give us a call. We'd love to see you.
- Joy and Mickey Michelis, Sylvania, GA
Slej and Jill My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
- Judie Jones, Richmond Hill, GA
Our prayers are with the Edleman family at this time of sorrow in there life. #4 was one of the most dedicated river pilots that we personally knew.
- Bill and Colleen henry, savannah, GA
Jill & Spencer, our prayers and thoughts are with you both and your families. your father will be remebered fondly by all of those he has touched over the years
- Steve & Jackie Sigoloff, Savannah, GA
I KNOW HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE PROUD OF HIM IN FOLLOWING THE PATH OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE SAVANNAH BAR PILOT AND LEADING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR HIS FAMILY. I KNOW WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE LOSS OF LOVE ONE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THU THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY GOD BE ALL OF YOU.
- MARY RYAN CHANDLER, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
It was an honor and a privilege to have known Spencer since SHS 54. I'll miss him, he was my friend.
- Harold Horton, Savannah, GA
Jan, I was very sad to learn of Spencer's passing. His ability to maintain a positive outlook in recent months was incredible and inspirational. Please accept my sincere condolences.
- Ralph Gombert, Savannah, GA
I am sad and shocked at the death of Spencer. I am Barry Edleman's mother, and so enjoyed knowing my early brother-in-law. He was a favorite of mine for sure. Such a very nice man. Barry told me about his passing, and I am just now able to get to a computer. My thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Carolyn
- carolyn mcgaughey, Williamson, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edleman family. Bubba was a great Pilot, a true professional, and a caring friend to Laurie and I. He often called to check on Lauire to get a weekly update on her health, even as he was fighting his own battle. He fought long and hard. We know in our hearts he is now at rest. He will truly be missed by both of us. Our Sincere condolences to Slej and your family. Derek and Laurie
- Derek J. Dragon, Sr., Richmond Hill, GA
Jill- I am so sorry about your dad. I hope that you and Eric and your brother keep lots of good memories in your heads. Mac
- Mac McCuen, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my most profound sympathy to the Edleman family. I met Mr. Edleman through his business transactions at Critz Inc. and after many dealings with him I considered him to be a friend. He was quite a gentleman with a quick sense of humor. I will miss him. Cherish the memories.
- Richard Osborne, Savannah, GA
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Spencer's family, especially his wife Janice. His love for her was so obvious to us. We know he will be greatly missed by all of his family. We pray God will continue to keep his arms wrapped around you during this time of loss and grieving and you will feel his love and grace.
- Bobby and Jenny Brannen, Bluffton, SC
I have not had any significant contact with Spencer since high school SHS '54 but remember him as a friendly, energetic person. Please accept my condolences.
- stanley e harris jr, savannah, GA
Spencer, we were sorry and saddened to read of your Father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time and may God continue to bless and watch over you and your family.
- Richard & Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
Slej & Jill I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. I have fond memories of us growing up in the neighborhood & our young lives maturing to adults. He will always be remembered for the love & respect he gave to the river and that He was a great Bar Pilot. Stanton Harmon
- Stanton Harmon, Bluffton, SC
Spencer - we are so sorry to learn of your Father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the ones he loved.
- Marty & Mike Harrell, Tybee Island, GA
Jan, Slej and family. I will miss Spencer as both a neighbor and as a person we worked with. I had always wanted to take a ride down the river with him. I knew he must have been the best there was. Please accept my sympathies and condolences.
- David & Rene' Rubnitz, Savannah, GA
Dear Jan, we are both saddened very deeply with Spencer's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy as we know how much he loved you and he loved life. He was a mentor to both of us and we looked up to him just as we do to you. We will never forget his kindness towards us and our boys. Sincerely, Chuck and Kim Donaldson
- Chuck and Kim Donaldson, Savannah, GA
Jan, we are so sorry to hear about Spence. The last we talked with him he sounded so optimistic and good. Determined to fight it. His usual low-key and factual self. We had no idea it was to that point. We have no excuses for not keeping a better tab on this situation. Just always thought the 'Spenster' would endure. He was a good solid human being and we are honored to have known him. I found out only by trying to find you two on facebook. When you can, give us a call. We'd love to see you.
- Joy and Mickey Michelis, Sylvania, GA
Slej and Jill My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
- Judie Jones, Richmond Hill, GA
Our prayers are with the Edleman family at this time of sorrow in there life. #4 was one of the most dedicated river pilots that we personally knew.
- Bill and Colleen henry, savannah, GA
Jill & Spencer, our prayers and thoughts are with you both and your families. your father will be remebered fondly by all of those he has touched over the years
- Steve & Jackie Sigoloff, Savannah, GA
I KNOW HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE PROUD OF HIM IN FOLLOWING THE PATH OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE SAVANNAH BAR PILOT AND LEADING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR HIS FAMILY. I KNOW WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE LOSS OF LOVE ONE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THU THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY GOD BE ALL OF YOU.
- MARY RYAN CHANDLER, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
It was an honor and a privilege to have known Spencer since SHS 54. I'll miss him, he was my friend.
- Harold Horton, Savannah, GA
Jan, I was very sad to learn of Spencer's passing. His ability to maintain a positive outlook in recent months was incredible and inspirational. Please accept my sincere condolences.
- Ralph Gombert, Savannah, GA
I am sad and shocked at the death of Spencer. I am Barry Edleman's mother, and so enjoyed knowing my early brother-in-law. He was a favorite of mine for sure. Such a very nice man. Barry told me about his passing, and I am just now able to get to a computer. My thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Carolyn
- carolyn mcgaughey, Williamson, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edleman family. Bubba was a great Pilot, a true professional, and a caring friend to Laurie and I. He often called to check on Lauire to get a weekly update on her health, even as he was fighting his own battle. He fought long and hard. We know in our hearts he is now at rest. He will truly be missed by both of us. Our Sincere condolences to Slej and your family. Derek and Laurie
- Derek J. Dragon, Sr., Richmond Hill, GA
Jill- I am so sorry about your dad. I hope that you and Eric and your brother keep lots of good memories in your heads. Mac
- Mac McCuen, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my most profound sympathy to the Edleman family. I met Mr. Edleman through his business transactions at Critz Inc. and after many dealings with him I considered him to be a friend. He was quite a gentleman with a quick sense of humor. I will miss him. Cherish the memories.
- Richard Osborne, Savannah, GA
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Spencer's family, especially his wife Janice. His love for her was so obvious to us. We know he will be greatly missed by all of his family. We pray God will continue to keep his arms wrapped around you during this time of loss and grieving and you will feel his love and grace.
- Bobby and Jenny Brannen, Bluffton, SC
I have not had any significant contact with Spencer since high school SHS '54 but remember him as a friendly, energetic person. Please accept my condolences.
- stanley e harris jr, savannah, GA
Spencer, we were sorry and saddened to read of your Father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time and may God continue to bless and watch over you and your family.
- Richard & Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
Slej & Jill I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. I have fond memories of us growing up in the neighborhood & our young lives maturing to adults. He will always be remembered for the love & respect he gave to the river and that He was a great Bar Pilot. Stanton Harmon
- Stanton Harmon, Bluffton, SC
Spencer - we are so sorry to learn of your Father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the ones he loved.
- Marty & Mike Harrell, Tybee Island, GA
Jan, Slej and family. I will miss Spencer as both a neighbor and as a person we worked with. I had always wanted to take a ride down the river with him. I knew he must have been the best there was. Please accept my sympathies and condolences.
- David & Rene' Rubnitz, Savannah, GA
Dear Jan, we are both saddened very deeply with Spencer's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy as we know how much he loved you and he loved life. He was a mentor to both of us and we looked up to him just as we do to you. We will never forget his kindness towards us and our boys. Sincerely, Chuck and Kim Donaldson
- Chuck and Kim Donaldson, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
