Celebrating the life of
John F. Earl
January 21, 1921 - November 28, 2008
John F. Earl
Thunderbolt- John F. Earl, 87, died at home on November 28th, 2008. Born January 21, 1921 in Jewell, Georgia, he was a graduate of Sparta High School, a veteran of World War II, and attended the University of Miami on the G.I. bill, where he majored in music.
He was an accomplished jazz drummer and later became a nature photographer. His photographs were published in many national magazines and books and in his own books, "John Muir's Longest Walk", "To Look at Anything" and "Guale the Golden Coast of Georgia" with James Valentine.
Commended by the Georgia State Senate in 1977 as an environmentalist and photographer, he taught hundreds of students in Savannah, privately, then at Armstrong and Savannah College of Art and Design where he was a professor of photography and jazz history for twenty-five years.
He was a former board member of the Ossabaw Island Project and worked to help save the island from development. He served on the board of the Coastal Jazz Association.
He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Susan Earl, his sister, Jane O'Farrell of Athens, three sons -John Earl, Jr. of Covington, Lawrence Earl Maria of Atlanta, Steven Earl Crystal of Keystone Heights, Florida, a daughter- Emily Earl, eight grandchildren, four nieces and nephews, two great-grandsons and family friends, Shirley Olson and Willie Jane Dukes of Savannah.
He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. H.L. Earl and Mrs. Ella Berry Earl, his sister, Ethel Morgan and his former wife, Leonora Hutchinson Earl.
Memorial Service- Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 6 P.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 225 West President Street. Visitation- 4:30 P.M. – 6 P.M.
Parking available in Robbie Robinson garage behind the church.
Remembrances: Ossabaw Island Foundation, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah 31401, SCAD Scholarship Fund, 227 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah, 31401 or Thunderbolt Volunteer Fire Department, 2702 Mechanics Avenue, Savannah, 31404
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com.
Remembering Prof. Earl fondly today as I discussed Jazz with a friend. What a teacher! What a life! Thank you, sir.
- Jeremy Seghers, Brooklyn, NY
A mighty gentle soul has reached into the depths of life to bring forth Light, touching and connecting so many through his sensitive expressions of nature, photo art, music, and love. The beat goes on and on....keep on shining.
- Cathy Nagler, Ft. White, FL
Dear Mourners We should like to express our sincere condolences to you. May we tell you that our thoughts are with you in your deep mourning. We send our prayers to you and your family. Beate and Reiner Steffen Lemwerder Germany, 12,2,2008
- Steffen, Lemwerder, GA
From all of us at CareMaster, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn your loss
- Josh W. Fritz, Savannah, GA
I want to express my and my sister´s deepest condolences to the family Earl for loosing a wonderful person. I am very glad to have met John F. Earl during my visit in August 2008. Our thoughts are with you in your mourning! Nicole + Simone Steffen
- Nicole Steffen, Delmenhorst, GA
You will be missed John, so enjoyed our conversations about music, jazz and art in the Griffin Tes Room. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family during this sad time. Don Rogers, fellow SCAD professor
- Don Rogers, Rincon, GA
Johnny & I had the great pleasure of attending John's classes. Our trip to Cumberland Island is still one of our best memories. The world has lost a very talented individual. We will keep you in our prayers during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Mamalakis, Savannah, GA
A great soul. John played his part well. My love to the family. Saroj
- Saroj, High Springs, FL
Dad, I love you very much, and have been reflecting on what a tremendous, positive influence you have been on our family! Your legacy will be perpetuated into the future . . . With much heartfelt appreciation . . . Your son, Steven
- Steven earl, Keystone Heights, FL
I have very fond memories of John...going to a jazz club to hear a live band or going on a photographic expedition in the mountains or just hanging out at his home in Atlanta...moments that I'll treasure forever. John Earl was kind and sweet man that will never be forgotten...Play on drummer...-Craig
- Craig Swearingen, Houston, TX
In the mountains along a creek half-frozen with thick ledges of ice, A friend once handed me an icy drop of dew. I held it close to my eye like a lens The hemlock, the rhododendron and the creek were suddenly upside down above me! The world reversed in a tear. Rumi 1207-1273
- Gary Weinkle, Alachua, FL
Remembering Prof. Earl fondly today as I discussed Jazz with a friend. What a teacher! What a life! Thank you, sir.
- Jeremy Seghers, Brooklyn, NY
A mighty gentle soul has reached into the depths of life to bring forth Light, touching and connecting so many through his sensitive expressions of nature, photo art, music, and love. The beat goes on and on....keep on shining.
- Cathy Nagler, Ft. White, FL
Dear Mourners We should like to express our sincere condolences to you. May we tell you that our thoughts are with you in your deep mourning. We send our prayers to you and your family. Beate and Reiner Steffen Lemwerder Germany, 12,2,2008
- Steffen, Lemwerder, GA
From all of us at CareMaster, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn your loss
- Josh W. Fritz, Savannah, GA
I want to express my and my sister´s deepest condolences to the family Earl for loosing a wonderful person. I am very glad to have met John F. Earl during my visit in August 2008. Our thoughts are with you in your mourning! Nicole + Simone Steffen
- Nicole Steffen, Delmenhorst, GA
You will be missed John, so enjoyed our conversations about music, jazz and art in the Griffin Tes Room. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family during this sad time. Don Rogers, fellow SCAD professor
- Don Rogers, Rincon, GA
Johnny & I had the great pleasure of attending John's classes. Our trip to Cumberland Island is still one of our best memories. The world has lost a very talented individual. We will keep you in our prayers during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Mamalakis, Savannah, GA
A great soul. John played his part well. My love to the family. Saroj
- Saroj, High Springs, FL
Dad, I love you very much, and have been reflecting on what a tremendous, positive influence you have been on our family! Your legacy will be perpetuated into the future . . . With much heartfelt appreciation . . . Your son, Steven
- Steven earl, Keystone Heights, FL
I have very fond memories of John...going to a jazz club to hear a live band or going on a photographic expedition in the mountains or just hanging out at his home in Atlanta...moments that I'll treasure forever. John Earl was kind and sweet man that will never be forgotten...Play on drummer...-Craig
- Craig Swearingen, Houston, TX
In the mountains along a creek half-frozen with thick ledges of ice, A friend once handed me an icy drop of dew. I held it close to my eye like a lens The hemlock, the rhododendron and the creek were suddenly upside down above me! The world reversed in a tear. Rumi 1207-1273
- Gary Weinkle, Alachua, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
