Obituaries
William (Bill) M. Austin MAY 10, 1936 - NOV 01, 2025
William (Bill) M. Austin, 89, resident of Tallahassee, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2025. He was born on May 10, 1936, to Glades and William Roy Austin in Water Valley, Mississippi. He was one of six children and spent his formative years in Mississippi before joining the Air Force and subsequently moving to Savannah, Georgia, where he met and married his wife of 62 years, Barbara Anne Smith Austin. William (Bill) enjoyed a distinguished career in the banking industry in Savannah, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina. He made notable contributions to C&S Bank an ...
Julia Bythewood Hodges MAY 08, 1945 - OCT 31, 2025
Born in Savannah on May 8, 1945 to Robert Hubert Hodges and Sarah (Sally) Stillwell Hodges, she grew up in Ardsley Park in a very tight knit circle including her sisters and cousins as well as many friends she kept throughout life. From an early age, Julia displayed remarkable artistic talent. She was recognized with a scholarship to the Telfair Art Academy for her exceptional sketches and perspective paintings. Her love and passion for painted art would stay with her until her passing and allow her to spread her joy to clients, friends and family. At Savannah High, she was voted Senior ...
Jonathan Copeland JUN 27, 1946 - OCT 31, 2025
Jonathan Copeland,79, of Savannah, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Jonathan was the third born child of Amelia and Robert Copeland. He is survived by his wife Ursula Sterling, his daughter Kate Copeland (Kristin Bradshaw), his granddaughter, Olive Bradshaw, his sister, Karin Havdala (Samuel Havdala) his nephew, Robert Havdala (Elanna) and their 3 children,(Jacob, Brea and Rami), an extended family in the United States and in Israel, as well as by his treasured pets (Sammy, Melvin, Simba and Arielle). Jonathan was a passionate scientist, with a ca ...
Carol Lee (Banta) Schell OCT 14, 1933 - OCT 30, 2025
Carol Lee (Banta) Schell, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully entered into the arms of Jesus on October 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 14, 1933, in Flora, Illinois, to the late Washington Lincoln Banta and Iva Marie (Padgett) Banta. Carol shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with Dwight Schell, the love of her life, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters, Jana Gillstrom (Bob) of Williamsburg, Michigan, and Judi Bargeron (Chuck) of Tybee Island, Georgia. Her legacy also includes her cherished granddaughters, Ke ...
Josephine Ann Causey JAN 06, 1937 - OCT 29, 2025
Josephine Ann Causey January 6, 1937 - October 29, 2025 Josephine Ann Causey passed away peacefully at her home in Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Jo was born in London, England and moved to Savannah with her late husband SMSgt Bill Causey. Jo was kind and generous. She enjoyed long walks, reading, bird watching, and spending time with her family. Jo is survived by her children Dawn Causey-Hall, Robert Causey, and Carol Corbett. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Colin Corbett and Madeline Corbett. Services will be private. ...
Christopher (Chris) (Dub) Walker FEB 04, 1977 - OCT 29, 2025
Christopher (Chris) (Dub) Robert Walker, 48, left his earthly body on Wednesday October 29, 2025. Chris was born February 4, 1977, to R. Garry Walker and Linda R. Nesmith in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Myers Middle School and Savannah High School. He enjoyed observing nature, camping, fishing and gilling outdoors. Chris had a passion for cooking and spent much of his adult years cooking for Huddle House, Yanni's, Olive Garden and other local restaurants as well as for family and friends. Chris is predeceased by his father and grandparents. Surviving family members include hi ...
Harold Carlton Nalley FEB 18, 1929 - OCT 28, 2025
Harold Carlton Nalley, 96, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. He was born February 18, 1929, in Pickens County, SC to the late Lawrence Marvin Nalley and Mettie Launa Smith Nalley. Mr. Nalley graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He worked for Dupont, the Savannah River Project, and retired as warehouse supervisor with Daniel Construction. He was an avid golfer at the Bacon Park Golf Course, where he played in the Senior Blitz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his w ...
Mary Cheryle Baxter Kimball NOV 07, 1945 - OCT 27, 2025
Mary “Cheryle” Baxter Kimball, 79, died after complications from pancreatic cancer and slipping into a diabetic coma on Monday, October 27, 2025, in the loving embrace of her son. Cheryle was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but grew up outside Glennville, Georgia. She was educated in the public school system of Tattnall County, Georgia, where she made countless, life-long friends. She received her BS in Education with a major in Speech Therapy from the University of Georgia. Her continuing education was to maintain her speech and teaching credentials. She ...
JT Schroeder - OCT 27, 2025
In Loving Memory of JT Schroeder The world lost a beautiful soul far too soon. JT Schroeder, just 18 years old, left us with hearts forever changed. JT loved people deeply and had a smile that could light up any room. His heart was so big that he had countless friends, each one feeling like they were his favorite. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and included, whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he’d just met. Even in death he chose to help others by being an organ donor, giving the gift of life to seven families. He dreamed of becoming a Merchant Marin ...
James Delmas Bearden, Jr. (Jim) OCT 23, 1954 - OCT 27, 2025
James Delmas Bearden, Jr. (Jim), surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC, five days after suffering a debilitating stroke. He is survived by Pamela Berger Bearden, his wife of 46 years; children Melissa and Tyler (Collin) of Durham, NC; his three beloved grandchildren Lake, Isla, and Haven Bearden; and his brother Bob (Donna) of Princeton, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents James Delmas Bearden, Sr. and Lois Norton Bearden. To know Jim was to appreciate his quirky sense of humor and his kind, gentle demeanor. H ...
Vida Martinez JUL 12, 1966 - OCT 27, 2025
In Loving Memory of Vida (Diaz) Martinez (1966 - 2025) Vida Martinez, most beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, 59, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on October 26, 2025, leaving a void her family and friends can never fill. She was born in Cardenas, Matanzas, Cuba in 1966, to Eugenio and Gladys Diaz, and was raised in Miami, Florida. She graduated from Coral Park High School before marrying Maurice Martinez and joyfully raising a family. Vida was a dearly devoted mother; her grandchildren especially being her pride and joy. Vida was an integral par ...
Michael E. McCullough FEB 15, 1949 - OCT 26, 2025
Michael E. McCullough, age 76, of Savannah died on Sunday, October 26. 2025 after an extended illness. Mike was born on February 15, 1949, in Swainsboro, Georgia to the late Earl McCullough and the late Blanche Doster McCullough. Mike was a lifelong resident of Savannah and a graduate of Savannah High School. He went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Mike retired from Merrill Lynch after a long career in the brokerage business. Mike was a longtime member of the Savannah Yacht C ...
Mary Walker Whitcomb JAN 11, 1951 - OCT 26, 2025
Mary Walker “Bebe” Whitcomb, 74, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Candler Hospital. She was born January 11, 1951, in Savannah to the late George Grey Walker, Sr. and Irene Stewart Walker. Bebe, as she was known to her family and friends was a member of Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church. She worked as the office manager for P&L Transportation, and later for Diamond Crystal Brands, in accounting and in the Human Resources Department. She loved to cook, bake, and was an avid reader. Surviving are her husband of 47 years, John C. Whitcomb ...
William Joseph Manucy, Jr. SEP 13, 1948 - OCT 24, 2025
William Joseph Manucy, Jr., known fondly as Billy, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, the city where he was born and spent much of his life. Billy was the son of the late William Joseph Manucy, Sr. and Helen Beranc Manucy. He was a proud husband to Brenda F. Manucy, his devoted wife of 29 years. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Dwan Maxey Lester (Lamar), Gene Maxey (Julia), and Maria Etzle (John); great-nieces and nephews Lamar Lester (Marilyn), Hunter Lester, Winn Maxey, Helen Maxey, Katie Etzle, Sean Etzle, and Johnny Etzle (Stephanie); ...
Pertory "Ann" Cowart OCT 20, 1956 - OCT 23, 2025
Ann went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Savannah, Georgia, on October 20, 1956, Ann was the daughter of the late James and Agnes Morris. She was educated in the Effingham County school system and later attended South College. Ann married Jerry Smith, and together they founded Smith Septic Service. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Catina Ann Jenkins (Billy), Jeri Elaine Patrick (Matthew), and Lori Dee Huggins (Rusty). Her lo ...
Stephen Mark Dillon - OCT 22, 2025
Stephen Mark Dillon passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Born in Savannah, Steve Dillon was the son of Francis Nicholas Dillon, Sr. and Christine Hazel Moore Dillon. After the loss of his parents at a young age, he went to live with his grandmother, the late Catherine Atkins Moore. Despite being visually impaired from birth, Steve never let that hold him back. He was kind, generous, adventurous, fiercely independent, and always grateful. He graduated from Benedictine Military School in the Class of 1977- Come fall in line…… Later, he earned an associates ...
Lee Everett Sucharda, Jr. SEP 21, 1939 - OCT 19, 2025
Lee Everett Sucharda Jr., 86, died Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his home in Savannah with his family by his side. Lee was born on September 21, 1939, in Racine, WI to Lee Everett Sucharda Sr. and Dorothy Sucharda (Peterson). Lee’s favorite childhood memories were of the time he spent on his grandparents’ farm in WI. It was there he developed his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing on the lake, wading in a stream, manning a tip-up on the ice, stalking a deer, bagging a grouse or pheasant, demolishing a clay pigeon, skiing on the slopes or through the woods, and sinking putts ...
Edward James Carey JAN 07, 1933 - OCT 19, 2025
Edward James Carey, 92, of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully on October 19th after a devoted and fulfilling life. Ed was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1933 and raised in Walden, NY, the son of John and Nan Carey. After graduating from Walden high school he went on to graduate from St Bonaventure University. He served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1957 on the USS Ticonderoga which operated throughout the Mediterranean. Shortly after completing his service he married the love of his life, Lynne. Ed had a unique and successful 38 year career with General Motors traveling to 109 countries across s ...
Jay R. Bishko JUL 06, 1949 - OCT 17, 2025
Dr. Jay R. Bishko, 76, of Savannah, passed away at his home on Friday, October 17, 2025. He was born July 6, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Maurice (Lillian) Bishko. He is survived by his wife Mickie Griffith, son Jack (Nicky) Bishko, daughter Emily (Mark) Radel, and many grandchildren. He loved his wife fiercely. So much so when life had other plans for her, he moved heaven and earth to make sure that she was going to be here to live on even though life itself does end for everyone. We are both saddened and joyful to share with you all Jay passed away peacefully, no longer ...
Kenneth G. Douberly MAR 17, 1948 - OCT 15, 2025
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Savannah has lost one of its dearest treasures, Kenneth G. Douberly, the society bandleader and founder of the Ken James Band, who passed away peacefully in the care of Hospice Savannah on October 15th, surrounded by his nephew Ben Gilliam and niece Carol Samford. Kenneth was born on March 17, 1948, at the old Candler Telfair Hospital to the sound of “McNamara’s Band,” according to his mother, as the St. Patrick’s Day parade passed by on Abercorn Street. He was born to parents William J. Douberly and Samantha “Sammie” Douberly. As a teenager, he appear ...
Jon K. Hicks, MD, DDS - OCT 13, 2025
Jon Kent Hicks, DDS, MD Dr. Jon Kent Hicks, 84, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at home under the care of Hospice Savannah and his wife Rosemary. He was born June 2, 1941, in Pampa, Texas to the late Dr. Hardy Hicks and Dr. Emily Tiedeman Hicks. For over forty years Dr. Hicks was a Pediatric Dentist, serving in Texas, and then in Savannah for the Chatham County Health Department and Morrison Dental. He was well respected by all his patients. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rosemary Abercrombie Hicks of Savannah, his stepdaughter Angie Rish, grandchildren, Col ...
Bettie & Frank Overholt - OCT 13, 2025
Bettie Overholt August 30, 1924 ~ October 13, 2025 Bettie was born in Melrose, MA to Fred and Grace Smith in 1924. She began school in Massachusetts and graduated high school in Montclair, N.J. where they moved when she was 10 years old. After high school Bettie completed a secretarial course at the Catherine Gibbs School in Montclair. Bettie was working as a bookkeeper and dance instructor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Montclair in 1946 where she met Frank Overholt. She and Frank were married later that year and re-located to South Miami, Florida where they founded a successfu ...
Richard Knight FEB 04, 1942 - OCT 12, 2025
Richard Freddie Knight of Savannah, Georgia passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at a nursing facility in Bluffton, South Carolina. Born in Savannah on February 4, 1942 to Loy and Thelma Knight he was a loving father, spouse, and dedicated to helping others. He attended Charles Ellis Elementary School, graduated from Savannah High in 1959 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He was an investment broker for Merrill Lynch in Savannah and Hilton Head, SC for 20 years. He was a passionate and skilled photograp ...
Mary Anne Rourke Hornkohl SEP 07, 2025 - OCT 12, 2025
Savannah has lost one of its treasures. Mary Anne Rourke Hornkohl passed away on the morning of October 12, 2025 at The Oaks on Isle of Hope where she resided. Born on September 7, 1939, in Savannah, Mary Anne had just celebrated her 86th birthday. Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Lawrence and Veronica Dillon Rourke, her brother Arthur Lawrence Rourke, Jr., her dear spouse Marc L. Hornkohl and several cherished dogs. Surviving are her beloved cousins, Broughton and Josie Rourke Kelly and her lifelong friend, Judy R. Downing. Raised in the Catholic Church, Mary Anne a ...
Henry Arthur Spencer - OCT 12, 2025
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Henry Arthur Spencer, known to all as "Hank," passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a very brief illness. Hank was born on February 16, 1950, in Trieste, Italy, to the late Elsa Vianelli Spencer. As the son of Command Sergeant Major Edward Spencer, he was raised in numerous Army bases around the world before being graduated from Heidelberg High School in Heidelberg, Germany. Following his graduation, he continued his family's tradition of military service and joined the United States Marine Corps. While serving in Vietnam, he served with the utmost valo ...
Gail Marie Gilpin Toffey JAN 01, 1948 - OCT 12, 2025
Gail Marie Gilpin Toffey, 78, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. Born on January 1, 1948, in Montgomery, Alabama, Gail lived a life defined by compassion, creativity, and quiet strength. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Armstrong State College and later a Master’s in Liberal Arts from Winthrop University. Early in her career, she worked as a social worker, where her empathy and dedication helped countless individuals and families. Later, she found joy in education, serving as an academic advisor at Indian River, Community College where she ins ...
Richard David Wilkinson AUG 26, 1953 - OCT 11, 2025
Richard David Wilkinson, age 72, died peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025. David was born in Barstow, Florida and spent the majority of his life in Nashville and Savannah. He had a great love for guitar music, Batman, chocolate, sweet tea, classic cars, especially Corvettes, and dogs. David leaves behind his daughters Emily (John) of Denver and Brynn of Nashville. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Margo, brother Steve (Lynda), sister Kathy (Bill) as well as many loved nieces and nephews: Amber, Matt, Brian, Brad, Tricia, Annie, Jason, Charlotte, and Wi ...
Son Thanh Pham OCT 20, 2025 - OCT 10, 2025
Mr. John Kim Pham Thanh Son Born on October 20, 1953 in Phu Khuong, Tay Ninh, Vietnam, was called by God at 12:47 PM October 10, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia ...
Sylvia Newton Summers AUG 28, 1942 - OCT 09, 2025
Sylvia Newton Summers passed away at home on October 9, 2025. She was born on August 28, 1942, in Millen, Georgia, to Albert Sidney Newton and Edna Spell Newton. A native of Jenkins County, she graduated summa cum laude from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia and earned a Master of Music in piano performance from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. There, she met Dr. Roland Steven Summers, her husband of 58 years. Prior to her marriage, she taught music at Salem Academy in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She lived with elegance, grace, and an unwavering commitment to ...
Charles Tyson Youmans AUG 18, 1981 - OCT 08, 2025
Charles Tyson Youmans, 44, died on October 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife, family and dear friends. Charlie passed as he lived - with the utmost internal fortitude, dignity and grace. Charlie was born on August 18, 1981 to Reemer Ebb Youmans, Jr. and Claire Klug Youmans in Savannah, Georgia. He attended St. James Catholic School ('96) and Benedictine Military School ('00). Following his graduation from Benedictine, Charlie attended the University of Alabama and joined Kappa Alpha Order, where his real adventures began. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in business manag ...