Celebrating the life of
Robert Edward Priestley
April 29, 1932 - January 17, 2008
Robert Edward Priestley, 75, died January 17, 2008 at home with his family at his bedside. He had been under the care of Hospice Savannah during a long, courageous battle with lung disease.
A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Bob had lived in Garden City and Wilmington Park since 1961. He was predeceased by his mother, Katharine Priestley, a sister, Helen Ladislaw and his in-laws, Duncan and Etheleene McAllister.
After graduation from South Hills High School he became a member of the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps in Washington, D.C, his unit played for presidents, kings and queens. A bugler, Bob frequently played “Taps” for military burials at Arlington National Cemetery. He was a member of the Air Force Association.
Following military service, he attended Georgia Teachers College now known as Georgia Southern University. He received a BS in Education in 1957 and MS in Administration in 1972. He retired in 1985 after 30 years touching the lived of thousands of students as band director of Jeff Davis County High School, of the Rebel Band at Groves High School and principal of Sprague Elementary School, in Garden City. Bob was a former member of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and Phi Delta Kappa education leadership organization.
Bob remained loyal to Georgia Southern University as a member of the 1906 Society and Southern Boosters. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Georgia Southern Eagles from the rebirth of its football program in 1981 and, until his illness, rarely missed a game.
After retirement, Bob continued to be an education supporter through his membership in Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Georgia and Chatham County Retired Educators.
An advocate for children and the elderly, Bob served as a chairman of a Chatham County Judicial Citizen Review Panel for 15 years and delivered Meals-on-Wheels to elderly shut-ins for more than a decade.
A charter member and former president of the Garden City Lions Club he also served as Region Chairman for Zone 1.
Before becoming a member of Wilmington Island United Methodist Church, Bob was a member of Garden City United Methodist Church for many years. He was teacher for John Barnes Sunday School Class and leader of the PrimeTimers, the senior’s ministry of the church.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Melba M Priestley of Savannah; sons, Rob Priestley and his wife, Patricia and Rus Priestley all of Savannah; granddaughters, Rachael Priestley and husband, Brian Methot of Lilburn, GA; Allyson Priestley of Savannah and Jessica Binkley of Brooklyn, NY; two sisters, Grace Priestley and Jane Schlegal of Pittsburgh, PA; several nieces and nephews and Rachael’s mother, Sharon Broyles of Pooler.
Funeral: 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2008 at Wilmington Island United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Burial: Family burial Monday in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to RN Liz Maher and CNA Pat McPhatter of Hospice Savannah and all the caregivers and physicians who lovingly gave Bob and his family care, comfort and support. This enabled him to spend his last days at home with his family as he desired.
Remembrances: Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation/Priestley Scholarship, 1615 West 92nd . Street, Kansas City, MO 64114-3296.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Dear Family, Mr. Priestley touched all of us at Groves with his love for music. Hew helped me a number of times. I will miss him. but one day I hope to see him again in Heaven. jimmy and I will miss him. He helped changed a worn out Band into a learning ground for all of us. God speed. Tommy
- Rev. Tommy Maddox, Waycross, GA
To Melba and family. You have mine and Fred's deepest sympathy. Enjoyed talking with you in Pittsburgh. Sincerely Suzanne Barron
- Fred and Suzanne Barron, Slippery Rock, PA
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I was a student of Mr. P from 68 to 71. Some of the best times of my life were with the band, even some of the gruelling practices prior to the start of the school year. I'll never forget Mr. P...
- Fred Cammack, Tullahoma, TN
Mr. Preistly, taught me how to tie a necktie. It was part of the bagpiper uniform I wore, and he taught me how to tie it. I remember the countless hours of practice on the field, and the marches to the stadium...the wonderful half time shows...and also, when he would call out..'SOOUTHH!'...he was a really nice guy, and he made us all better people because of his influence. God bless Mr. Preistly , and God bless your Family.
- Sandi McGraw-Correia, Hollywood, FL
We all have wonderful memories of Bob to share with each other. In the days ahead may those precious memories bring all of you the comfort he would wish for you.
- Dianne S. Thurman, Savannah, GA
We shared a lot of laughs at Groves during the period when all seniors left for their meetings except me, a junior. He had to baby sit me! I met him again while he and his wife were delivering for Meals on Wheels to my mother in Garden City. Mr. Priestley was an exceptional and motivational person in mine and many of my friends lives. He will be remembered always.
- Pat Peacock Duggar, Pembroke, GA
I have fond memories of Bob back during a time when we served as elementary school principals on the west side. He was a good friend and confidant.
- Dr Gerard F Lentini, Athens, GA
Uncle Bob put up such a long and courageous fight, I admire him so much. I remember when you and Bob came to visit in NYC and we went out to Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn, by cab. I think that was quite exiting for him!
- Robert Ladislaw, New York, NY
I will never forget all the times shared with Mr P. From the sound of shuffling feet on the way to the stadium, the flying clipboard, the joy of hearing him giving 3rd guarter off and SOOUUTTHH. thanks for all the memories 1971-1973 GHS
- Randy Hall, portwentworth, GA
Dear Family, Mr. Priestley touched all of us at Groves with his love for music. Hew helped me a number of times. I will miss him. but one day I hope to see him again in Heaven. jimmy and I will miss him. He helped changed a worn out Band into a learning ground for all of us. God speed. Tommy
- Rev. Tommy Maddox, Waycross, GA
To Melba and family. You have mine and Fred's deepest sympathy. Enjoyed talking with you in Pittsburgh. Sincerely Suzanne Barron
- Fred and Suzanne Barron, Slippery Rock, PA
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I was a student of Mr. P from 68 to 71. Some of the best times of my life were with the band, even some of the gruelling practices prior to the start of the school year. I'll never forget Mr. P...
- Fred Cammack, Tullahoma, TN
Mr. Preistly, taught me how to tie a necktie. It was part of the bagpiper uniform I wore, and he taught me how to tie it. I remember the countless hours of practice on the field, and the marches to the stadium...the wonderful half time shows...and also, when he would call out..'SOOUTHH!'...he was a really nice guy, and he made us all better people because of his influence. God bless Mr. Preistly , and God bless your Family.
- Sandi McGraw-Correia, Hollywood, FL
We all have wonderful memories of Bob to share with each other. In the days ahead may those precious memories bring all of you the comfort he would wish for you.
- Dianne S. Thurman, Savannah, GA
We shared a lot of laughs at Groves during the period when all seniors left for their meetings except me, a junior. He had to baby sit me! I met him again while he and his wife were delivering for Meals on Wheels to my mother in Garden City. Mr. Priestley was an exceptional and motivational person in mine and many of my friends lives. He will be remembered always.
- Pat Peacock Duggar, Pembroke, GA
I have fond memories of Bob back during a time when we served as elementary school principals on the west side. He was a good friend and confidant.
- Dr Gerard F Lentini, Athens, GA
Uncle Bob put up such a long and courageous fight, I admire him so much. I remember when you and Bob came to visit in NYC and we went out to Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn, by cab. I think that was quite exiting for him!
- Robert Ladislaw, New York, NY
I will never forget all the times shared with Mr P. From the sound of shuffling feet on the way to the stadium, the flying clipboard, the joy of hearing him giving 3rd guarter off and SOOUUTTHH. thanks for all the memories 1971-1973 GHS
- Randy Hall, portwentworth, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
