Celebrating the life of
Jerry A. Whitlow
April 21, 1938 - June 03, 2009
Savannah - Jerry A. Whitlow, well-known Savannah real estate developer, died Wednesday after a brief illness.
Mr. Whitlow was born April 21, 1938 in Canon, GA and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he successfully completed his Professional Electrical Engineering certification and practiced engineering for 27 years. He founded Whitlow Construction a design and development firm and constructed electrical substation and transmission towers throughout the southeast. He was hired to build and design The Woodbury Earth Station, the first satellite communication stations of its kind.
In 1987 Jerry sold his share of the Whitlow Electric to his brother and turned to real estate development. He was a prominent developer on Hilton Head Island for twenty years.
In 1997 Jerry and his wife, Diane, moved to Savannah where he became active in developing the West Side of Savannah's historic section. Enamored of Savannah's historic section, Jerry had a vision for developing its West Side, an area ignored by other developers. Jerry designed and developed Garden on Jones, Montgomery House, Tattnall Side Gardens, Taylor Row Townhomes and Jones Square all on the West Side of Savannah's historic district. He also organized a group to develop Boundary Village on Louisville Road, assembled the parcels of land for development of The Double Tree Hotel and The Hilton Garden Inn on Bay Street.
Jerry later formed North Savannah Properties to develop the Telfair Plantation across the Savannah River in South Carolina.
Among other achievements, Jerry was twice awarded the Pepe Award from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Diane, of Savannah; by his son, Jeff and wife, Luann of Savannah; his daughter, Jennifer Plourde and husband, Jim of Greenville, SC; his brothers, Kenneth of Elberton, GA and Don of Anderson, SC and sisters, Betty Pruitt of Athens, GA; Susan Wuerzner of Monroe, GA and Billie Bowen of Commerce, GA and by his grandchildren, Drew and Anna Whitlow of Savannah and Aubrey and Avery Plourde of Greenville, SC.
In accordance with Jerry's wishes, there will be no funeral nor memorial service.
Many people in Savannah admired and respected Jerry and considered him their friend. We love you Jerry you will always be in our hearts.
Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Candler Cancer Care and Research Pavilion, 5353 Reynolds St., Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
We were sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Bob and Jerri Whitlow, Indialantic, FL
Jerry, I am proud to have been your friend, though for the short time we lived in Savannah. As a man of talent and vision you gave inspiration to all of us to do things we would never have attempted with your leadership. We, you friends will miss you sorely, but the community will also and may never quite fill your shoes. Peace be with you.
- Marv Burton, Savannah, GA
Mrs Whitlow,Jeff ,Luann and Jennifer We send our sympathy from Elberton Ga.We were sorry to hear about Jerry's passing you are in our thought and prayers. Lisa Anderson Ruffin John Ruffin Jr.
- Lisa Ruffin, Elberton, GA
Diane, My deepest and sincerest sympathy for your loss, as well as all of Savannah. I pray for God's peace and comfort for you. Fondly, Deborah Black
- Deborah O. Black, Savannah, GA
Diane, I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. I did not know he was so ill. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Connie Williams
- Connie Williams, Savannah,, GA
Jerry leaves us with a legacy of visionary accomplishments. He was above all a gentleman first. An enduring memory will be of his meeting and greeting the scores of friends, family and associates who attended the recent TELFAIR PLANTATION SOIREE. All came not just to view the results of his development efforts, but to express appreciation for his pioneering spirit. He leaves his greatest and most esteemed accomplishments by way of his family, wife, children, and grandchildren et al. Savannah will long remember and esteem his sense of fairness in business and in life, his perseverance in working for goals he believed in as best for both himself, family, and the community at large, as well as his generous philanthropy. His eternal rewards are well earned. Indeed, he leaves us with fond memories and a litany of lifetime accomplishments.
- Francis X. Hayes, Savannah, GA
We were sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Bob and Jerri Whitlow, Indialantic, FL
Jerry, I am proud to have been your friend, though for the short time we lived in Savannah. As a man of talent and vision you gave inspiration to all of us to do things we would never have attempted with your leadership. We, you friends will miss you sorely, but the community will also and may never quite fill your shoes. Peace be with you.
- Marv Burton, Savannah, GA
Mrs Whitlow,Jeff ,Luann and Jennifer We send our sympathy from Elberton Ga.We were sorry to hear about Jerry's passing you are in our thought and prayers. Lisa Anderson Ruffin John Ruffin Jr.
- Lisa Ruffin, Elberton, GA
Diane, My deepest and sincerest sympathy for your loss, as well as all of Savannah. I pray for God's peace and comfort for you. Fondly, Deborah Black
- Deborah O. Black, Savannah, GA
Diane, I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. I did not know he was so ill. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Connie Williams
- Connie Williams, Savannah,, GA
Jerry leaves us with a legacy of visionary accomplishments. He was above all a gentleman first. An enduring memory will be of his meeting and greeting the scores of friends, family and associates who attended the recent TELFAIR PLANTATION SOIREE. All came not just to view the results of his development efforts, but to express appreciation for his pioneering spirit. He leaves his greatest and most esteemed accomplishments by way of his family, wife, children, and grandchildren et al. Savannah will long remember and esteem his sense of fairness in business and in life, his perseverance in working for goals he believed in as best for both himself, family, and the community at large, as well as his generous philanthropy. His eternal rewards are well earned. Indeed, he leaves us with fond memories and a litany of lifetime accomplishments.
- Francis X. Hayes, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
