Celebrating the life of
Hugh Walter Tracy, Sr.
January 18, 1937 - February 06, 2008
SAVANNAH – Hugh Walter Tracy, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on February 6, 2008 at the age of 71. Join his family as we celebrate his life as a devoted family man, active church member, community servant, and successful businessman.
Hugh was born in Arkansas in 1937 into an Air Force family, living in several places before graduating from Wheelus High School in Tripoli, Libya. He went on to complete his B.S. in Building Construction at Georgia Institute of Technology and start a career in real estate development in the Atlanta area. During this time, he met his wife, Patton Kate Cuttino, and they were married in 1960. In 1967, he began a 38 year career as a McDonald's franchisee when he joined Jaycee friends to operate several McDonald's in the Atlanta area. A lifetime of community service commenced with his involvement in Boys and Girls Clubs there.
Hugh took the opportunity in 1975 to move to Savannah and further build out the market for McDonald's. This began a 32-year love affair with the city of Savannah as he raised his two children, Walt and Nina, and became active in the community. They joined White Bluff Presbyterian Church where Hugh served as an elder and led building programs to expand the sanctuary and education facilities. He was a member of Downtown Rotary adopting the "service above self" creed in all endeavors. Over the years, his community involvement included Council Chairman of the Coastal Empire Council for Boy Scouts of America and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Savannah Country Day School. Hugh led the effort to build the Ronald McDonald House in Savannah that opened in 1987. He was especially pleased to contribute to the Savannah Economic Development Authority in its mission to stimulate economic growth in the region as Chairman and later earning a Lifetime Honorary Member of SEDA. He renewed his interest in real estate development by joining with friends in several local projects and enjoyed relaxing with friends that shared his interests in jazz, boating, and fishing.
Hugh is survived by his wife Pat Tracy, son Walt and Angela Tracy of Oak Park, IL, daughter Nina and Mark Gompels of Savannah and by much loved grandchildren Stephen and David Tracy and William and Matthew Gompels.
Visitation at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 9, 2008 will be followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at White Bluff Presbyterian Church, 10710 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31406.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Savannah Parkinson Support Group, P O Box 13602, Savannah, GA 31416; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, 4710 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404; White Bluff Presbyterian Church, 10710 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31406; Coastal Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 11900 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31419.
Pat and Family, Bob and I were sorry to hear of Hugh's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Bob & Faye Rees, Savannah, GA
Nina and Family, Stephen and I would like to express our heartfelt sorrow at you father's passing he will be sorely missed.. We would like you to know that our prayers are with you and Patsy in this time of grief.. I know that the Lord will be with you today.. Michelle Heyward
- Michelle and Stephen Heyward, Savannah, GA
Walt Tracy and Family I am sorry for your loss. I have great memories of our times together growing up. Claude
- Claude Su, Savannah, GA
Nina, Johnny joins me in sending our love and prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Mamalakis, Savannah, GA
Walt and Angela, We were very sad to hear of your dad's passing. I wish we were able to be in Savannah this weekend to pass on our condolences in person. I spoke with Dee this morning, and we were reminiscing about when we first met you, years ago, when you had just moved to Savannah. Dee remembered that you were living in the same apartment complex as his dad. It seems like another lifetime. Please let your mom and sister know that we are praying for all of you. Love, Gifford and Jeannine
- Gifford and Jeannine Usher, Helena, AL
Pat,Nina,and Walt My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Tracy will be missed by all. David
- David Perdue, Bloomingdale, GA
Pat and Family, Bob and I were sorry to hear of Hugh's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Bob & Faye Rees, Savannah, GA
Nina and Family, Stephen and I would like to express our heartfelt sorrow at you father's passing he will be sorely missed.. We would like you to know that our prayers are with you and Patsy in this time of grief.. I know that the Lord will be with you today.. Michelle Heyward
- Michelle and Stephen Heyward, Savannah, GA
Walt Tracy and Family I am sorry for your loss. I have great memories of our times together growing up. Claude
- Claude Su, Savannah, GA
Nina, Johnny joins me in sending our love and prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time.
- Debbie Mamalakis, Savannah, GA
Walt and Angela, We were very sad to hear of your dad's passing. I wish we were able to be in Savannah this weekend to pass on our condolences in person. I spoke with Dee this morning, and we were reminiscing about when we first met you, years ago, when you had just moved to Savannah. Dee remembered that you were living in the same apartment complex as his dad. It seems like another lifetime. Please let your mom and sister know that we are praying for all of you. Love, Gifford and Jeannine
- Gifford and Jeannine Usher, Helena, AL
Pat,Nina,and Walt My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Tracy will be missed by all. David
- David Perdue, Bloomingdale, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
