Celebrating the life of
Leo Spivey
April 06, 1922 - January 31, 2008
SAVANNAH – Leo Spivey, 85, died Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Hospice House. The Tattnall County native was born April 6, 1922, the 14th child of Elder Virgil Y. and Mrs. Lula Bland Spivey. He was predeceased by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Monterey and the USS Bogue.
Mr. Spivey began his insurance career with Interstate Life and Accident Insurance Company. His span of forty plus years began in 1941. A leading agent for the Savannah District, he retired from American General as a manager of the Savannah office in 1985. He was also past president of the Savannah Life Underwriters Association.
Strongly rooted in his faith, Mr. Spivey was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He previously served as a Bible Study teacher, deacon, and assistant treasurer of Savannah Primitive Baptist Church.
A member of Toastmasters International for thirty-seven years, he was a awarded the title of Toastmaster Emeritus. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Bethany Home.
Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of sixty-one years, Kathleen S. Spivey of Savannah; two daughters, Jane Spivey Anderson of Savannah and Kathy Spivey Maxwell and her husband, Don, of Elberton, GA; a son, Jerry Leo Spivey and his wife, Connie, of Elberton, GA; six grandchildren, Julie Anderson of Atlanta, Jeffrey Spivey Anderson and his wife, Rachel, Patrick Spivey and his wife, Allie, and Ashley Spivey, all of Savannah, and Kelly and Gray Maxwell of Elberton, GA; three great-grandchildren, Trent, Steven and Lauren Price; a brother-in-law, Edward M. Stanford of Claxton; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Spivey and Mrs. Sue Spivey, both of Statesboro; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Active Pallbearers will be L. J. Spivey, Wayne Dasher, Lewis A. Spivey, Danny Anderson, Bill Jones, Jack Spivey, John W. Spivey and Eddie Dasher.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Toastmasters International #705, the Ernie Bevill Sunday School Class, former Interstate Life Insurance Co. employees, and Robert Southwell.
Remembrances may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 5502 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, GA 31406 or Hospice House at Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Kathy and family, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. After a long journey with Alzheimers, my dad passed away in Oct. 2007. My heart can truly understand your sadness. Take Care and know of my love, Cindy Black
- Cindy Black, Gatlinburg, TN
Dear Aunt Kathleen, I was honored to be asked to sit with you, your children, and grandchildren at Uncle Leo's services. He was sooooo very, special to me. The number of people in attendance Sunday and Monday was a wonderful testimony to Uncle Leo for his unblemished character, reputation, and loving nature. He would have been pleased! It was obvious that he was well thought of and loved. I pray that the Good Lord will bless you with His peace and comfort. I know that you have a close relationship with the Lord. I couldn't help but smile to myself Monday when I thought about the first e-mail that I sent. I knew that when I was typing about 'time and the thorn' that didn't sound right. It finally occurred to me Monday while sitting there that the saying is, 'Time helps heal the wound, but the scar will remain.' NOT thorn! Anyway, I said that Uncle Leo was like a rose--one of God's precious creations. Just know that I love you dearly, and I want you to come stay with us anytime that you can. I have been so fortunate to have you as my special aunt! You are God's gift to me. Love you lots, Linda
- Linda Brannen, Glennville, GA
Dear Jane and Family, I just read Saturday's newspaper this am and saw Mr. Spivey's obituary. I began reminesicing about 40 years ago, our sharing the apartment, the good times we had, and visiting with your Mother and Dad. Memories are so precious when that's all we have left of our parents. My Dad passed away in 1982 and Mother in 2005, my second Mother Mother's twin sisterin 2006. My heartfelt synpathy to you and all your family. I assume from the obituary that your Dad had great faith in God and he would want you to lean upon Our Heavenly Father at this time. Blessings, Linda
- Linda Pye Whitfield, Twin City, GA
My thoughts and prayers have been with you for the last couple of weeks. I pray that you are comforted by God and feel His peace. Please know that I am with you in spirit. Much Love, Lisa, Bubba and family
- Lisa Longgrear, Glennville, GA
Jane, Linda just called me about your Dad. I'm so sorry. I did not realize that he & Mother were the same age. My Dad died about 9 years ago. Mother is not in good health. Please give my love to your Mother. I'll keep all of you in my prayers... Love Ginger 129 Silver Maple Dr Martinez, Ga 30907
- Ginger Gottschalk, Augusta, GA
Ashley and Family, We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Laura and Regan Hiser
- Laura Hiser, pooler, GA
Mrs.Spivey,Jane,Jerry and Kathy, Mom called me today to tell me of Leo's passing.I was so sad to here this news.I know you will miss him very much.Vivian and I will be praying for you that The GOD of all peace and comfort will draw you close to himself.What a joyful and glorios time it is NOW for Leo.He is with CHRIST, WOW.We love you and and will continue to keep you in our prayers. Romans 8:38-39 Mark
- Mark & Vivian West, Louisville, TN
Thinking of you. Love Susan and Family
- Susan Hill, Elberton, GA
Mrs. Spivey, Jane, Jerry and Kathy Your family has meant as much to me over the last thirty years as my own. There is not a family with more love anywhere. Mr. Spivey has always treated everyone he encountered with respect. He always lifted a person’s spirits. If he told you something you could believe it without question. He had the kindest disposition a man could have. I have been blessed and honored to have known Mr. Spivey. He was a living example of how our Lord would want one of his follower’s to live.
- Don Maxwell, Elberton, GA
Dear Aunt Kathleen and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Uncle Leo will truly be missed. May God continue to be with you during this time of need. Love, Tara & Family
- Tara Griffin, Glennville, GA
Patrick,I am sorry for your loss.I am thinking of you and your famly.My apoligies for not attending the veiwing service.My wife is ill and she needs my attention now. If you need anything from me please let me know.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Larry Robinson, Guyton, GA
jerry, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult days. i am sure that wonderful memories will make the days ahead bearable. love and blessings to you my friend, dianna mercier
- dianna mercier, knoxville, TN
Ashley & family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Lauren
- Lauren Strode, Canton, GA
Dear Mrs. Spivey, Jerry, Jane and Kathy, I didn't really know Mr Spivey very well but envy you for being able to share so many years with such 'a southern gentleman' as I've been told. My heart breaks for you all, but just continue to stand strong and know that God will see you through these difficult days. Please know that I appreciate being able to get to know and love your family over the years. Just know Tim and I will be praying for you in the days to come and please know we're just a phone call away. Love and prayers to you and your entire family. Tim and Anne Wilhite
- Anne Wilhite, Elberton, GA
The descendants of Harry and Audrey Hagan, Waymon Hagan, and Lanell Hagan Williams send their condolences to the Spivey family.
- Pam Hagan King, Richmond Hill, GA
Jerry, So sorry to hear of your dad passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Teri
- Teri Joiner, Covington, GA
Dear Aunt Kathleen,children & grandchildren, How can I sum up in a few words what Uncle Leo meant to me? He was my favorite uncle! You all like me had the most wonderful daddy in the world! We have all been blessed to know him and have our lives touched by him; he truly was a giant among men. I told Uncle Leo and Aunt Kathleen after Mama died that I wanted them to be my surrogate parents. Of course, they were delighted, and me too. All of you have been so fortunate to have him for so many years; I lost Daddy when I was only 27. Uncle Leo and Aunt Kathleen have always made me feel extra special, and of course, I can't tell my cousins, but I knew that I was Uncle Leo's favorite niece! He was such a great man, and if there was such a thing as a perfect man on earth, Uncle Leo would fit that description! I am so thankful that my life was touched by such a loving, kind, compassionate, honest, and Christ-like man. He had the most wonderful personality and disposition. He reminded me so much in that respect of Mama. I will always treasure those many, many days and nights that I stayed with them through the years of having to be in Savannah for a period of time. Those are wonderful memories of us sitting in the living room or at the dining table, and Uncle Leo as well as Aunt Kathleen telling me cute jokes and recalling memories of them driving me down Broughton Street when I was two years old. He loved to remind me of the time that I told Jane we were around seven that she could borrow my toothbrush if they spent the night. He got a big laugh about that, and it had stuck all these years. We Spivey grandchildren have been blessed more than most. I think that the children of V.Y.and Lula Spivey were the best that God made. I am thankful to be part of such a wonderful family. Uncle Leo will truly be missed. The saying, 'Time will help heal the wound, but the thorn will always be there' is true. Of course I like to think of the thorn as the rose. Uncle Leo was a rose, so tender-hearted and beautiful. Now all those Spivey siblings are rejocing to be together again! Aunt Kathleen, I love you dearly! You are soooo special to me. You have been a blessing in my life. My heart breaks for you to lose Uncle Leo, your Heart! May the Lord give you peace. Jane, Jerry, and Kathy, I love you all so much and I pray that the Good Lord will give you peace as well. Aren't we fortunate that we had the 'best' daddy in the world!!! My love, Linda
- Linda Brannen, Glennville, GA
Although I never met Mr. Spivey in person I had the previledge of working with him over the phone many years ago. He was such a Southern gentleman, I am so sorry I never met him. Love to Jerry, Connie and Mrs. Spivey.
- Dianne Searcy Smoot, St. Simons Island, GA
I met Leo Spivey at Toastmasters. What a wonderful gentleman. So upbeat and encouraging. I consider myself fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by so many. Betty Dixon
- Betty Dixon, Savannah, GA
Kathy and family, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. After a long journey with Alzheimers, my dad passed away in Oct. 2007. My heart can truly understand your sadness. Take Care and know of my love, Cindy Black
- Cindy Black, Gatlinburg, TN
Dear Aunt Kathleen, I was honored to be asked to sit with you, your children, and grandchildren at Uncle Leo's services. He was sooooo very, special to me. The number of people in attendance Sunday and Monday was a wonderful testimony to Uncle Leo for his unblemished character, reputation, and loving nature. He would have been pleased! It was obvious that he was well thought of and loved. I pray that the Good Lord will bless you with His peace and comfort. I know that you have a close relationship with the Lord. I couldn't help but smile to myself Monday when I thought about the first e-mail that I sent. I knew that when I was typing about 'time and the thorn' that didn't sound right. It finally occurred to me Monday while sitting there that the saying is, 'Time helps heal the wound, but the scar will remain.' NOT thorn! Anyway, I said that Uncle Leo was like a rose--one of God's precious creations. Just know that I love you dearly, and I want you to come stay with us anytime that you can. I have been so fortunate to have you as my special aunt! You are God's gift to me. Love you lots, Linda
- Linda Brannen, Glennville, GA
Dear Jane and Family, I just read Saturday's newspaper this am and saw Mr. Spivey's obituary. I began reminesicing about 40 years ago, our sharing the apartment, the good times we had, and visiting with your Mother and Dad. Memories are so precious when that's all we have left of our parents. My Dad passed away in 1982 and Mother in 2005, my second Mother Mother's twin sisterin 2006. My heartfelt synpathy to you and all your family. I assume from the obituary that your Dad had great faith in God and he would want you to lean upon Our Heavenly Father at this time. Blessings, Linda
- Linda Pye Whitfield, Twin City, GA
My thoughts and prayers have been with you for the last couple of weeks. I pray that you are comforted by God and feel His peace. Please know that I am with you in spirit. Much Love, Lisa, Bubba and family
- Lisa Longgrear, Glennville, GA
Jane, Linda just called me about your Dad. I'm so sorry. I did not realize that he & Mother were the same age. My Dad died about 9 years ago. Mother is not in good health. Please give my love to your Mother. I'll keep all of you in my prayers... Love Ginger 129 Silver Maple Dr Martinez, Ga 30907
- Ginger Gottschalk, Augusta, GA
Ashley and Family, We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Laura and Regan Hiser
- Laura Hiser, pooler, GA
Mrs.Spivey,Jane,Jerry and Kathy, Mom called me today to tell me of Leo's passing.I was so sad to here this news.I know you will miss him very much.Vivian and I will be praying for you that The GOD of all peace and comfort will draw you close to himself.What a joyful and glorios time it is NOW for Leo.He is with CHRIST, WOW.We love you and and will continue to keep you in our prayers. Romans 8:38-39 Mark
- Mark & Vivian West, Louisville, TN
Thinking of you. Love Susan and Family
- Susan Hill, Elberton, GA
Mrs. Spivey, Jane, Jerry and Kathy Your family has meant as much to me over the last thirty years as my own. There is not a family with more love anywhere. Mr. Spivey has always treated everyone he encountered with respect. He always lifted a person’s spirits. If he told you something you could believe it without question. He had the kindest disposition a man could have. I have been blessed and honored to have known Mr. Spivey. He was a living example of how our Lord would want one of his follower’s to live.
- Don Maxwell, Elberton, GA
Dear Aunt Kathleen and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Uncle Leo will truly be missed. May God continue to be with you during this time of need. Love, Tara & Family
- Tara Griffin, Glennville, GA
Patrick,I am sorry for your loss.I am thinking of you and your famly.My apoligies for not attending the veiwing service.My wife is ill and she needs my attention now. If you need anything from me please let me know.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Larry Robinson, Guyton, GA
jerry, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult days. i am sure that wonderful memories will make the days ahead bearable. love and blessings to you my friend, dianna mercier
- dianna mercier, knoxville, TN
Ashley & family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Lauren
- Lauren Strode, Canton, GA
Dear Mrs. Spivey, Jerry, Jane and Kathy, I didn't really know Mr Spivey very well but envy you for being able to share so many years with such 'a southern gentleman' as I've been told. My heart breaks for you all, but just continue to stand strong and know that God will see you through these difficult days. Please know that I appreciate being able to get to know and love your family over the years. Just know Tim and I will be praying for you in the days to come and please know we're just a phone call away. Love and prayers to you and your entire family. Tim and Anne Wilhite
- Anne Wilhite, Elberton, GA
The descendants of Harry and Audrey Hagan, Waymon Hagan, and Lanell Hagan Williams send their condolences to the Spivey family.
- Pam Hagan King, Richmond Hill, GA
Jerry, So sorry to hear of your dad passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Teri
- Teri Joiner, Covington, GA
Dear Aunt Kathleen,children & grandchildren, How can I sum up in a few words what Uncle Leo meant to me? He was my favorite uncle! You all like me had the most wonderful daddy in the world! We have all been blessed to know him and have our lives touched by him; he truly was a giant among men. I told Uncle Leo and Aunt Kathleen after Mama died that I wanted them to be my surrogate parents. Of course, they were delighted, and me too. All of you have been so fortunate to have him for so many years; I lost Daddy when I was only 27. Uncle Leo and Aunt Kathleen have always made me feel extra special, and of course, I can't tell my cousins, but I knew that I was Uncle Leo's favorite niece! He was such a great man, and if there was such a thing as a perfect man on earth, Uncle Leo would fit that description! I am so thankful that my life was touched by such a loving, kind, compassionate, honest, and Christ-like man. He had the most wonderful personality and disposition. He reminded me so much in that respect of Mama. I will always treasure those many, many days and nights that I stayed with them through the years of having to be in Savannah for a period of time. Those are wonderful memories of us sitting in the living room or at the dining table, and Uncle Leo as well as Aunt Kathleen telling me cute jokes and recalling memories of them driving me down Broughton Street when I was two years old. He loved to remind me of the time that I told Jane we were around seven that she could borrow my toothbrush if they spent the night. He got a big laugh about that, and it had stuck all these years. We Spivey grandchildren have been blessed more than most. I think that the children of V.Y.and Lula Spivey were the best that God made. I am thankful to be part of such a wonderful family. Uncle Leo will truly be missed. The saying, 'Time will help heal the wound, but the thorn will always be there' is true. Of course I like to think of the thorn as the rose. Uncle Leo was a rose, so tender-hearted and beautiful. Now all those Spivey siblings are rejocing to be together again! Aunt Kathleen, I love you dearly! You are soooo special to me. You have been a blessing in my life. My heart breaks for you to lose Uncle Leo, your Heart! May the Lord give you peace. Jane, Jerry, and Kathy, I love you all so much and I pray that the Good Lord will give you peace as well. Aren't we fortunate that we had the 'best' daddy in the world!!! My love, Linda
- Linda Brannen, Glennville, GA
Although I never met Mr. Spivey in person I had the previledge of working with him over the phone many years ago. He was such a Southern gentleman, I am so sorry I never met him. Love to Jerry, Connie and Mrs. Spivey.
- Dianne Searcy Smoot, St. Simons Island, GA
I met Leo Spivey at Toastmasters. What a wonderful gentleman. So upbeat and encouraging. I consider myself fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by so many. Betty Dixon
- Betty Dixon, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
