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Celebrating the life of
Joseph Gerald Sauers, Jr.
May 11, 1952 - December 14, 2019
He also loved fishin’, cussin’ and cheerin’ on his Florida Gators. Joe was funny and loving and grumpy too. Once you met him, you would never ever forget him. He will be missed by all!
Joseph Gerald Sauers, Jr., 67, of Savannah, passed away from a relatively short illness on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Joe … Little Joe … #1 … Sleepy … or Sparky, depending on when you met him (or whichever name you liked best; our favorite was Dad) was born May 11, 1952 to Joseph and Jean Collins Sauers, also of Savannah. Joe was truly one of a kind. Before retiring, you would find him sleeping in his truck, while occasionally working, down at the Ports. After retiring, you could find him in his yard growing beautiful vegetables or building a shed, cornhole boards, chairs, etc. You name it, he could build it. His friends called him the DIY King! He also loved fishin’, cussin’ and cheerin’ on his Florida Gators. Joe was funny and loving and grumpy too. Once you met him, you would never ever forget him.
Joe graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1970. He attended Georgia South Western University before beginning his long career with the ILA clerks & Checkers Union 1475. He was even voted “Man of the Year” by his co-workers in December 2015.
After some harrowing escapes from lighting (2 strikes!) and a forklift, he retired to spend time at home. Looking for things to keep himself busy, he discovered the love of working with hands and became a craftsman woodworker.
Joe first married Angela in 1972, and had the first girl in the family in 1975, his brown eyed girl, Kelli Marie. His second marriage to Joy in 1983 brought his first boy, his namesake, Joseph Gerald III, also known as Joseppie. In 1984, Joe got the second boy of the family, his Doctor Destructo (DD) Andrew Carter. In 1993, Joe married Tracy, and in 1994, he got his blond headed blue eyed baby boy Zachary Evans. He made sure we all had a love of the Florida Gators, great music, of awesome homemade BBQ sauce that his mama taught him how to make, and probably quite a few things that we really didn’t need to hear yet (ha!). He also gave each of us his odd sense of humor.
Joe is preceded in death by his sister, Jean; both of his parents; his grandparents; and his wife, Tracy.
He leaves behind his beloved Aunt Ruth Collins; his mother in law, Elsie; children Kelli Sauers Henderson (Al), Joseph Gerald Sauers, III, Andrew Carter, Sr. (Brandi), and Zachary Evans Sauers; grandchildren, Carter and Callan; four younger brothers, David (Cindy), Bobby (Susan), Bruce (Diane), and Gene (Tammy); cousin Clarence “Bud” (Janice); and countless nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews; and of course, many, many friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church; Recitation of the rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 20, 2019 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church at 4 p.m.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416.
Condolences and prayers go the Sauers family. Joe and I graduated in 1970. He from BC and I from SVA. We swam that Back River together as kids. Joe did the most incredible act like FLIPPER and I always called him FLIPPER. He was such a nice,funny, kind soul. RIP
- Julia Dyer Strickland, Savannah, Georgia
Bobby & family. Your in our thoughts & prayers
- Waycross Coca-Cola, Waycross, Ga
Bobby & family. Your in our thoughts & prayers
- Waycross Coca-Cola, Waycross, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sauers Family. Madeline Cooley Ryle
- Madeline Cooley Ryle, Shellman Bluff, Georgia
I met Little Joe years ago when I was working at the Sheraton Golf course. First I met Joe Sr. when he was a starter, then I met little Joe. Years later I worked at ACE on the Island and ran the garden center. Joe was always buying veg. plants for his garden. He was so proud of his garden. He was so easy to talk to and I always considered him, my friend. RIP my friend
- Tracy Ziel, Savannah, Georgia
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers.
- Jimmy and Connie Deal, Savannah, GA
So Sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Joe at BC and always enjoyed being around him. Our fathers were also classmates and good friends at BC, so that gave us something special as sons of fathers who also graduated from the same school. Our prays and thoughts are with the family Joe left behind. Tommy Mahany
- Tommy Mahany, Rincon, Ga.
Sorry for your loss.Praying for the family.
- Michael J Yocco, Guyton, GA
My very deepest sympathy to the Sauers family on the loss of Joe. I have so many fond memories of Joe back when we young. He was always fun. He had a great sense of humor. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Joe. Felice Robertson
- Felice Robertson, ,
I like to extend my condolences to you and your family. You and your family are in my prayers..
- Demitri Jackson , Albany , Georgia
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prays as you go through this difficult time. -Coca-Cola United Sylvester
- Coca-Cola United Sylvester, Sylvester, GA
To the Sauers family, please accept my deepest condolences. Joe and I spent many New Year's Eve dinners and subsequent parties. He was always in a great mood and brought a lot of laughter to all of us. I am glad I got to see him last year at Vernie South's funeral. He will be missed.
- Roan Garcia-Quintana, Mauldin, SC
So sorry that is me below..my phone is acting up. Also, my condolences to the family of Lil Joe's wife.
- Angela Grayson, ,
So saddened to hear about Lil Joes passing. I haven't seen him in years but I remember him being so funny and present when I was over as a child playing with you,Kelly.? I had so much fun growing up next to the "Sauer's boys"! Rather it be learning, playing pool with ya'll in the garage or being teased (mostly by Bobby). My favorite memory was watching ya'll start families of your own, listening to my dad gripe about all the cars in the road/ grass lined down the street and running out the door so excited to hang out with all of the family, kids. I hope to make it tomm. but if not know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. ??? P.S. please excuse my grammer
- , ,
Kelli and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can only imagine your loss and sorrow after losing both loved ones. May your faith give you strength and knowing that they are together give you peace.
- Gerry Helmly, Savannah, GA
I actually had the pleasure meeting this unique fun guy years ago .. what a character .. life has so many unexpected journeys .. I often sit and reflect on both known and unknown .. but no matter the journey GOD lays out for us .. we must follow this journey called life with the greatest faith .. trust and love.. knowing that he gives us no more than we can handle .. through the tears and heartbreak ( I like to call rainbow ?) we see the glory .. the great golden gates with angels all around .. the land of milk and honey ? the truest peace is forever present .. gathered with all the love ones .. friends .. wife Tracy ..where that pot of gold awaits .. ??for all during this time ..
- Della, Stuart fl,
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Sauers families!
- Danny Ball, Wellington , Fl
My condolences to the sauers Family and my prayers goes out to his family and friends!!
- Tommy Boondry , Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss . Prayers are for his family and friends.
- Faye Cunningham , Savannah, Ga
Deepest condolences to the family Joe will be missed ???
- , ,
Our deepest sympathies to the Sauers family. Colonel Brenton and Irene Field
- Colonel Brenton R. Field III , Gulfport, MS
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends.
- Melenda McCumber Henninge, SAVANNAH, Ga
Prayers for the family.
- James Woods, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss, Joseph. Prayers of comfort and strength for you and your family during this difficult time.
- Karen Kee, Athens, Georgia
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. The Sauers and Powers Clans will alway have a special closeness of friendship from the old store on Skidway, to cheering on the golf Links. May the Lord bless you all.
- Vincent Powers, Savannah, Ga
Sending our deepest condolences. So very sorry for your loss. Praying for the Sauers family!
- Jennifer Claxton, Savannah , GA
Sorry for the loss and grief your family must be suffering. I worked with Joe thru ILA 1475 since 1979 we spent many memorable times on and off of the Port. My Father, Joe and Bud shared the same seniority. We have been praying for him since learning he was in the hospital, and will continue to do so for you all. Grace and Peace to those who loved him. he will surely be missed
- Spencer Bugna, Ellabell, GA
Condolences and prayers go the Sauers family. Joe and I graduated in 1970. He from BC and I from SVA. We swam that Back River together as kids. Joe did the most incredible act like FLIPPER and I always called him FLIPPER. He was such a nice,funny, kind soul. RIP
- Julia Dyer Strickland, Savannah, Georgia
Bobby & family. Your in our thoughts & prayers
- Waycross Coca-Cola, Waycross, Ga
Bobby & family. Your in our thoughts & prayers
- Waycross Coca-Cola, Waycross, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sauers Family. Madeline Cooley Ryle
- Madeline Cooley Ryle, Shellman Bluff, Georgia
I met Little Joe years ago when I was working at the Sheraton Golf course. First I met Joe Sr. when he was a starter, then I met little Joe. Years later I worked at ACE on the Island and ran the garden center. Joe was always buying veg. plants for his garden. He was so proud of his garden. He was so easy to talk to and I always considered him, my friend. RIP my friend
- Tracy Ziel, Savannah, Georgia
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers.
- Jimmy and Connie Deal, Savannah, GA
So Sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Joe at BC and always enjoyed being around him. Our fathers were also classmates and good friends at BC, so that gave us something special as sons of fathers who also graduated from the same school. Our prays and thoughts are with the family Joe left behind. Tommy Mahany
- Tommy Mahany, Rincon, Ga.
Sorry for your loss.Praying for the family.
- Michael J Yocco, Guyton, GA
My very deepest sympathy to the Sauers family on the loss of Joe. I have so many fond memories of Joe back when we young. He was always fun. He had a great sense of humor. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Joe. Felice Robertson
- Felice Robertson, ,
A candle has been lit!
- Rebecca Flynn Tekell , Georg
I like to extend my condolences to you and your family. You and your family are in my prayers..
- Demitri Jackson , Albany , Georgia
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prays as you go through this difficult time. -Coca-Cola United Sylvester
- Coca-Cola United Sylvester, Sylvester, GA
To the Sauers family, please accept my deepest condolences. Joe and I spent many New Year's Eve dinners and subsequent parties. He was always in a great mood and brought a lot of laughter to all of us. I am glad I got to see him last year at Vernie South's funeral. He will be missed.
- Roan Garcia-Quintana, Mauldin, SC
A candle has been lit!
- Roan Garcia-Quintana , South Caro
So sorry that is me below..my phone is acting up. Also, my condolences to the family of Lil Joe's wife.
- Angela Grayson, ,
So saddened to hear about Lil Joes passing. I haven't seen him in years but I remember him being so funny and present when I was over as a child playing with you,Kelly.? I had so much fun growing up next to the "Sauer's boys"! Rather it be learning, playing pool with ya'll in the garage or being teased (mostly by Bobby). My favorite memory was watching ya'll start families of your own, listening to my dad gripe about all the cars in the road/ grass lined down the street and running out the door so excited to hang out with all of the family, kids. I hope to make it tomm. but if not know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. ??? P.S. please excuse my grammer
- , ,
A candle has been lit!
- Ana Martinez and Family , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Jan Corrigan , Georg
Kelli and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can only imagine your loss and sorrow after losing both loved ones. May your faith give you strength and knowing that they are together give you peace.
- Gerry Helmly, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Ginger Shore , Georg
I actually had the pleasure meeting this unique fun guy years ago .. what a character .. life has so many unexpected journeys .. I often sit and reflect on both known and unknown .. but no matter the journey GOD lays out for us .. we must follow this journey called life with the greatest faith .. trust and love.. knowing that he gives us no more than we can handle .. through the tears and heartbreak ( I like to call rainbow ?) we see the glory .. the great golden gates with angels all around .. the land of milk and honey ? the truest peace is forever present .. gathered with all the love ones .. friends .. wife Tracy ..where that pot of gold awaits .. ??for all during this time ..
- Della, Stuart fl,
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Sauers families!
- Danny Ball, Wellington , Fl
A candle has been lit!
- Margaret Davis , Georg
My condolences to the sauers Family and my prayers goes out to his family and friends!!
- Tommy Boondry , Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss . Prayers are for his family and friends.
- Faye Cunningham , Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Jan Holland Ethridge,Alpharetta , Georg
Deepest condolences to the family Joe will be missed ???
- , ,
Our deepest sympathies to the Sauers family. Colonel Brenton and Irene Field
- Colonel Brenton R. Field III , Gulfport, MS
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends.
- Melenda McCumber Henninge, SAVANNAH, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Melenda McCumber Henninge , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Martin Sheehan , Georg
Prayers for the family.
- James Woods, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Kelly & Alex Hunt , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Richie&Elizabeth Thomas , Georg
I am so sorry for your loss, Joseph. Prayers of comfort and strength for you and your family during this difficult time.
- Karen Kee, Athens, Georgia
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. The Sauers and Powers Clans will alway have a special closeness of friendship from the old store on Skidway, to cheering on the golf Links. May the Lord bless you all.
- Vincent Powers, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Jessica Keatts , Georg
Sending our deepest condolences. So very sorry for your loss. Praying for the Sauers family!
- Jennifer Claxton, Savannah , GA
A candle has been lit!
- Denny & Ginger McBride , North Caro
Sorry for the loss and grief your family must be suffering. I worked with Joe thru ILA 1475 since 1979 we spent many memorable times on and off of the Port. My Father, Joe and Bud shared the same seniority. We have been praying for him since learning he was in the hospital, and will continue to do so for you all. Grace and Peace to those who loved him. he will surely be missed
- Spencer Bugna, Ellabell, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Heather Henderson , Georg
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00pm to 6:30pm on Thu, December 19, 2019
- St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
-
7020 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410 - 912-897-5156
- Rosary
- 6:30pm on Thu, December 19, 2019
- St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
-
7020 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410 - 912-897-5156
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 4:00pm on Fri, December 20, 2019
- St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
-
7020 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410 - 912-897-5156