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Celebrating the life of
Walter Emil Kessel, Jr.
January 08, 1927 - January 23, 2021
Walter E. Kessel Jr., Born January 8, 1927, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021.
Walt was born in Savannah, the son of Walter E Kessel Sr. and Elsa Oelschig Kessel. In 1950 Walt married Wray Potter Kessel, who preceded him in death 2008.
He is survived by his niece, Dorothy Wray Potter Nash (Hugh O. Nash Jr., deceased); Great-nieces, Catherine Nash Elder (Kevin Elder) and Sarah Dawson Nash; Great-nephews, Hugh O. Nash III (Megan Ingleson Nash), and William Howland Nash (Sarah Statz Nash). Also survived by many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, as well as three precious great-great-great-nieces and nephew, all of Nashville, TN.
Walt was also survived by his first cousin Elsa Schweizer Miller of Dallas, TX, and several distant cousins related to the Oelschig family of Savannah.
Walt served in the US Army air Corps., in California. He returned to Savannah and married Wray, where he lived out the remainder of his life. Walt was employed by WTOC-TV 1954–1980 and self-employed, video recording services, 1982-1999.
Walt and Wray were founding members of the Little Theater, Savannah, in 1950, and continued to be active through 1985. His technical expertise was invaluable, through his love of backstage production (lighting, camera, sound, music, etc...)
Walt and Wray were parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. Walt was active in the community through his work with, Cursillo movement, Savannah, Catholic prison ministries, Coastal State Prison, Serra Club of Savannah, St. Vincent Depaul society. Later in life he enjoyed the opportunity to work on the Cathedral newsletter, Twin Spires (editing, writing, developing, content, photos).
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, with rosary at 6:30 PM.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that you consider a donation in Walt’s memory to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1003 E. Victory Dr. Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.
Walt, you will be greatly missed sweet friend ! Your talents went beyond ... loved your eye with the camera ! You have the best hugs and always had a smile to share !! Now you are with Wray and all is well.... Keeping all who loved you in my prayers.
- Kelly, Alex, Matthew & Andrew Hunt, Savannah, GA
It saddens me to hear of Walt’s death. He and Wray were the backbone of the Savannah Little Theater. Another Savannah legend has gone.
- Billy Walker, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Walt was a pillar in both the theatre community and the diocese of Savannah. He and Wray were always very supportive of me and their kindness meant so much! May he join Wray in heavenly peace.
- Ernest Williams , New York, New York
Walt was a dear friend and faithfully sang Bass in our choir at Blessed Sacrament Church for more than 40 years. He had many talents which he always shared with others joyfully. I send my love and sympathy to his family and pray God will surround each of you with HIS loving arms at this difficult time.
- Mary Alice Garvin, Savannah, GA
I was saddened to learn of Walt's passing. Such warm memories of he and Wray. " Break a leg " guys in Heaven... . Helen
- Helen Jewett Weitz, Savannah, G A
Walt Kessel was a very talented man. In my decade working at WTOC-TV in Savannah from 1968 to 1978, I ran audio while Walt ran video on many productions there. My sincere condolences to Walt's family. Sincerely, Dan Hogan, former Channel 11 announcer and weathercaster
- Dan Hogan, Lakeland, FL
I knew Walt for over 30 years. He did a lot of work in Georgia State Prisons and was very big and influential in the Kairos prison ministry. We have truly lost a legend.
- Lupa Brandt , Conley, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wed, January 27, 2021
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Wed, January 27, 2021
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Funeral Mass
- 10:00 a.m. on Thu, January 28, 2021
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
-
1003 East Victory Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31405 - 912-356-6980
