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Celebrating the life of
Lynford B. Hadwin
Passed away on January 19, 2021
LYNFORD BARTOW HADWIN
SAVANNAH – Lynford Bartow Hadwin, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Lynn, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eugene Hadwin (Ruby), was born in Furman, South Carolina on August 18, 1935, and moved to Savannah at an early age. After graduating from Commercial High School in 1953, Lynn attended Armstrong College and Georgia Teacher’s College.
Lynn joined his brothers, Arden and Gene, in their operation of Central Motors, Inc. in his early 20’s. He and his brother Arden were also real estate investors and developers in the Savannah area for decades. Lynn was a respected businessman in Savannah, and was known for his integrity and tremendous work ethic.
Lynn was very committed to his community and enjoyed helping others. He was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Savannah South for over 33 years where he served as Club President and later as District Governor of District 6920. He was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Will Watt Fellow, Hue Thomas Fellow, Jake Cheatham Fellow, Kendall Weisiger Fellow, Benefactor, Sustaining Member and Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation.
He was honored to have been named as Rotarian of the Year and to have served as Trustee Emeritus of the Georgia Rotary Student Program, which program sponsored many foreign exchange students who were enabled to attend colleges and universities within the state. He spent countless hours assisting and mentoring these students.
In addition to his extensive work with Rotary, Lynn was on the Board of Bonaventure Cemetery and served as a tour guide educating and entertaining both locals and tourists with his extensive knowledge of Savannah history and intriguing and engaging stories about the cemetery. He was a Real Estate Broker and member of the Savannah Board of Realtors, as well as a member of the Georgia Historical Society, the Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation, and the Historic Savannah Foundation.
Lynn had an extraordinarily strong Christian faith which he shared with many others all of his life. He was very active in his younger years at Ardsley Park Baptist Church, then later at Bible Baptist Church and at First Baptist Church in Historic Savannah where he served on the Diaconate.
His hobbies included traveling the world, collecting antiques, and helping young people better themselves and achieve their dreams. He entertained his family and friends with fascinating tales of his global travel experiences and treasured stories of his adventures growing up as the youngest of six children in a small South Carolina country town. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed making you laugh or “pranking” you with his never-ending mischief. His friends referred to him as the quintessential southern gentleman who was always impeccably dressed. He was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Lynn Hadwin was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Walter Hadwin; his three sisters, Eloise Dasher, Barbara Clark, and Margaret Porter; his two brothers, Arden H. Hadwin and Gene Hadwin. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Arden J. Hadwin (Rebecca), Gary L. Hadwin (Lynn), and Renee H. Newell (Mac); Walt Hadwin, Jr. and Tammy Davis; Billy Gray (Barbara) and Ronnie Gray (Nina); and many special and beloved great nieces and great nephews.
Due to Covid-19 limitations, there will be a private graveside service. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Rotary Club of Savannah South, Bible Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice. Lynn’s body will lie in state at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Lyn was the pure essence of the word "gentleman." I hve known him for fifty years and he was always a delight to spend time with. I send his family my loving heart.
- Miriam Center, Savannah, Georgia
It is with my sincere and deepest sympathy that I share my condolences with the family of Mr. Hadwin. What a fine and humble man. I can imagine he looking for fruit cake ingredients in heaven.
- Tony Riley, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Tony Riley , Savannah , Georgia
Lynn was a very dear friend of ours and my wife’s Dad , Dr. Cecil Hodges !! On our trips to Savannah , we always tried to meet Lynn for lunch or evening meal! He was a very dedicated Christian man !! Rotary was also a big part of his life !! Heaven has gained a very special Christian man!!!
- Herman & Margie Mongin , Elgin , South Carolina
A candle has been lit!
- Dollar, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Cheyenne D, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Marjorie P, Savannah, GA
Lynn was a dear friend to John and myself for many years. He was so kind and caring.He will be missed by many.
- Jean Tatum, Savannah, Georgia
I knew Lynn from working with him on Rotary projects hand when I lived in the historic district. He was the epitome of the Rotary motto, “service above self.” What a wonderful man. He will be missed.
- Fran Harold, Tybee Island, Georgia
Lynn was a true gentleman and a Rotary mentor to many of us. His calm manner and quick wit will be greatly missed.
- Andy Lohn, Savannah, Ga
We first met Lynn through Rotary in Savannah. Although we moved many years ago we maintained our friendship through Rotary gatherings. He was the perfect example of a true southern gentleman. He will be missed.
- Lloyd and Jan Horadan, Milledgeville, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Anastasia Zolotova, Eastleigh , UK
Brenda and I send our most sincere condolences to the members of Lynn's family. He was such a gentleman and so thoughtful, kind and generous. We have so many fond memories of meals together and being his guests at the annual Patriotic Concerts at Armstrong University. What a dresser! We loved his sense of humor and wit. I was honored to travel with him to India in 2019 to participate in a National Immunization Day to help end Polio. He was a role model for our Grandson RT. This past Monday he told me as he had many times before "Bob, I say a prayer for RT, Brenda and you every morning in my Devotion Period, and I usually say an extra one for you!" I thank you my friend and God bless!
- Bob and Brenda Griggers, Marshallville, Georgia
We first met Lynn through my cousin Jewell Evans who loved Lynn dearly. We soon became good friends. Lynn was the definition of a true Christian Gentleman. I never saw him without a coat and tie! He had such a quick wit he always kept me laughing. I believe his goal in life was to help others. Heaven has gained a new angle to look after all who loved him. My sincere sympathy to his family and many friends. I will truly miss him!
- John and Susan Moreau, Virginia Beach, Va
What a nice, congenial, gentle man. I got to know Lynn through a Bonaventure Historical Society tour. It was a refreshing tour, and I joined the Society. Every meeting thereafter was an enjoyable, refreshing experience. God rest his beautiful soul.
- Ben Goggins , Tybee Island , GA
Especially in living and even in dying, Lynn was such an example for all of us. He will not be replaced, he will not be forgotten, he will be missed. Thanks Lynn for the difference you made in this world, and for my family!
- Sutton Family, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- tyson, Savannah, GA
I worked with Mr. Hadwin with the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens. He was one of the finest gentlemen I ever met. I enjoyed every second I worked with him. Savannah has truly lost a gem. Sending my love and prayers to his family.
- Mollie White, Savannah, GA
It was with great sadness that I learned of Lyns' passing. He was a good friend in Rotary and he will be greatly missed. Lyn truly was an example of the Rotary Motto, "Service above self."
- Charlie DePue, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
I want to express my endless thanks to Lynn. He was an inspiration to all who surrounded him and, especially, to me. 10 years ago I was invited to Savannah as a GRSP-student, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Savannah South. Lynn formed part of the welcoming committee when I arrived in Savannah after having waited 7 long hours (!) by the airport for my delayed flight. I am not sure I was really worth the wait following a 20h journey from Scandinavia, but the fact that he stayed so long to welcome an 18-year-old Danish girl whom he had never met, was a classic example of his personality: A southern gentleman to the bone. Lynn used to take me walking through the streets of Savannah down to Leopold's Ice Cream (a common favorite along with fruit cake). While walking he would explain the history of just about every other house in the city while humoring me with his quick wit and contagious joy. It was much like walking the city with the world's kindest encyclopedia. He was a man of Rotary - past club President, District Governor, beloved GRSP trustee, and much more. Rotary preaches putting "service above self", and to Lynn this meant putting others first, offering a helping hand wherever he could, and always - always - showing respect and kindness. I know he has been an inspiration to many young people from all over the world, although, of course, he was always much too modest to acknowledge it. . Lynn was, quite possibly, the nicest man I have ever had the fortune of meeting. He will be greatly missed.
- Mia Øhlenschlæger, København K, Denmark
The obituary describes a man whose life made a difference. Lynn impacted the lives of his church family and so many others and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. I extend my deepest sympathy to family and friends.
- Ann M Frech, Savannah, GA
For years, Lynn was a fixture at First Baptist Church and lent a quiet dignity. He shared a birthdate with three other church members, including my Father and became a welcome addition to all our celebrations. There will always be an extra candle lit for Lynn, on the18th of August as long as there are candles lit.
- Arthur H Roberts, Jr., Okatie, SC
It is with our sincere deepest sympathy we share in the loss of Lyn. He brightened the lives of so people. Heavens gain to our dear friend. You are missed.
- Mike & Margaret Normandy, Pooler , Georgia
Mr. Hadwin was a dear and special person. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge, an incredible storyteller and possessed a wicked sense of humor! What an honor it was to have known him!
- Lynne and David Flanary, Savannah , GA
There are very few people I have met in the course of my career as a pharmacist who allow you to take a step back from the hustle & bustle, and patienly spend the time to share a conversation and reminisce. I will never forget the stories of his trip to India to vaccinate children in the villages from polio, and only a couple weeks ago, he was going to take me with him to help on his next trip back. I would like to pass my condolences to the family and assure them that his work carries on with others because of HIS amazing inspiration. Requiescat in pace.
- Mital, Savannah, GA
We will certainly miss Lynn. He was a wonderful neighbor an friend.
- Carl and Linda Bleicken, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Lie in State
- 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fri, January 22, 2021
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200