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Celebrating the life of

Henry Frederick Schwalbe, Jr.

June 07, 1947 - November 29, 2021

Henry Frederick Schwalbe, Jr.

Henry Frederick Schwalbe, Jr – Rick to most and Ricky to his childhood friends – entered into eternal rest on November 29, 2021. He passed away peacefully and suddenly at home with his loving wife, Carol, by his side, along with his beloved dog, Jack.

Rick was born in 1947 to Lilian Samples Schwalbe and Henry Frederick Schwalbe, Sr. Born and raised in Savannah, he was a native of Talahi Island and attended Savannah High School, graduating in 1965. Rick also served in the Georgia Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Wing. Rick spent the later years of his life in his true element alongside the Ogeegchee River in southeastern Bulloch County. He loved the outdoors and was a wildlife conservation advocate. He served the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Troop Leader and offered his space to numerous Scout Troops. His passions were fishing, bird hunting, collecting Native American artifacts and history. Rick was raised Lutheran and attended church at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church as a young man. After moving to Bulloch County, Rick’s faith in the Lord evolved. He was a deeply faithful man and he served the Lord quietly in his own way. He always had a smile for people he would meet, and would regale with hunting and fishing tales of yore. Rick worked for TIC for many years before retiring to his homesite on the river.

Rick spent his final earthly years doting on and bragging about his grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud. Behind a gruff exterior was a gentle, kind and loving man. All who knew him knew how much he loved his family, especially his three grandchildren, who were the center of his world.

Rick was a devoted husband and a loving father who served his family selflessly. He and his wife met when Rick was just 12 years old, marrying many years later. Rick and Carol were married for more than 48 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Lilian Schwalbe; and his brother, Tom Schwalbe. Rick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carol Williams Schwalbe; sons, Drew Schwalbe (Jennifer), John Keaton (Nancy), and Mark Keaton, all of Savannah; sister, Linda Devevo (Warren) of Sylvania; and sister, Carol Dunn of Eastman; Rick had three grandchildren, Carolan Keaton Griffin (Richard), Joseph Schwalbe, and Caroline Schwalbe. He will be sorely missed, but rests peacefully now in the lap of the Lord. Today, he sees with his eyes what he could previously only see by faith. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until  6:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Memorial service will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 at the same location at 11:00 a.m.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

We are all richer for having known "Pop." I am grateful for the hours he invested in our family and especially in Ryan. I will, we all will, miss him terribly. His legacy goes on in the amazing man you, Carol, and he raised in Drew and of course in Caroline and Joseph. Well done, good and faithful servant. With love from Christy, Abby, Thomas, Emily & Ryan Shapard

- CHRISTY M SHAPARD, Savannah, GA

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Sincere condolences and prayers of peace for the family.

- Kevin, Sarah & Emma Farmer, Guyton , Georgia

Sending all prayers to the Schwalbe family in this time of loss.

- Christine Nelepovitz, Summerville, South Carolina

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Sending all prayers to the Schwalbe family in this time of loss.

- Christine Nelepovitz, Summerville, South Carolina

Sending prayers to the Schwalbe family in the time of loss.

- Jasen Nelepovitz , Charleston , Sc

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Schwalbe family.

- Paul and Patricia Storke, Lutherville Timonium, MD

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Sorry for your loss.Mr Rick was a good person.Praying for your family.

- Sherry Bowen, Ellabell , Ga.

Praying for your comfort and peace, Carol at this very difficult time. All my love to you and your family.

- Lynda Wilensky Beebe, SAVANNAH, Ga

My heart is heavy as I have just heard of Rick’s passing. Have so many fun memories of riding the bus to school with this handsome sweet guy♥️He is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

- Bonnie Devevo McMillan, Rincon, GA

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So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to the family.

- Bob and Joy Broderick , Savannah , Ga

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We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

- Walt, Nikki, Nick & Reid Schaaf, Savannah, GA

Drew So sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember working with him when he was with TIC and we worked on a project together at Chatham Steel. Will keep yu and your family in our prayers

- Charles George, Savannah, GA

Prayers for the family. May God comfort you during this time

- Tovar Allen, Savannah, Ga

We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this time.

- The Drew Girls, Savannah, GA

Sorry we can not be with you at the memorial for Rick, but know he was a good friend from the early days on Talahi. A time when the Island was an adventure rather than a development. No wonder he loved the river so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings Rev. David Wayne Turner

- David W Turner, Barnwell, SC

Carole ad Drew, I was so sad to hear of Ricks passing. What a wonderful friend he was. We met years ago at Myers Middle school and became lifelong friends. May he rest in the living arms of our savior and be reunited with Lil, Hank and Tom.. Prayers for you all as you go through the coming days. Lena and Freddy Meeks

- Lena and Freddy Meeks, Savannah, Ga.

Our thoughts and prayers are with at this time, God Speed.

- Richard & Gina Howell, Savannah, GA

Condolences Rick was my phone friend and you Carol are one of my dearest friends. I wish for the family comfort in these difficult times.

- Rubert Clary Martin Jr, Savannah, GA

Carol, Lanie and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go with you in your grief.

- Reginald Davis, Sr. M.D., Green Cove Sps., Fl.

Rick always had a twinkle in his eye and it kept all around him ready for his stories. I was blessed to work him many, many years ago. My deepest sympathies to his family. Sending you many healing thoughts and prayers.

- Michele Langhans, BUFORD, GA

I do not have a memory of Mr Schwalbe that did not include laughter. Love and prayers to Drew, Jennifer, Joseph, Caroline and family.

- Sims Plyler, Libertytown, Maryland

Carol I am so very sorry to read about Rick's passing you know how much you both are loved..Rick was a well thought of man. I think the last time I saw and talked with him was at Jeanetts he was there to get a hair cut. I loved you awhile before I met him, but I really liked him. May he RIP and sending prayers to you and family. If I did not live in TN I would have been there for you. "I will always love you" Martha

- Martha Ann DeLaigle, Madison, Tennessee

Michael and I are saddened by Rick's death and wanted to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God continue to be with you and and fill your heart with peace as only He can.

- Ann Frech, Savannah, GA

Worked with Rick many years ago at Williams. My condolences.

- JP, Savannah, Ga

Worked with Rick many years ago at Williams. My condolences.

- JP, Savannah, Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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