Obituaries
Margaret Curtis Hansen - JUN 26, 2019
Margaret Curtis Hansen, 83, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at her residence on Skidaway Island. She was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carmelite Monastery Chapel, 11 W. Back Street, Savannah, GA 31419. Remembrances may be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 11 W. Back Street, Savannah, GA 31419. ...
Richard R. Meckfessel - JUN 26, 2019
Coach Rich Meckfessel went to his final rest on June 26, 2019 at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving wife and two children. Rich was an enthusiastic athlete, excelling at tennis and basketball in his youth and later completing four marathons, but he was most proud of his accomplishments as a college coach and athletic director. During his career, Rich mentored and coached hundreds of young men at Washington University in St. Louis, Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston, WV) and the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), many of whom went on to become successful teachers ...
Annelle "Anne" Franklin Chase MAY 30, 1927 - JUN 23, 2019
Anne Franklin Chase died peacefully at her home on Skidaway Island on June 23, 2019. She was 92. Anne was born in Marietta, GA to Ernest and Nelle Foster Kemp. She graduated from Marietta High School and the High Museum School of Art in Atlanta. Anne is also a graduate of Armstrong State College. She lived in Savannah for the past 70 years, relocating in 1949 after marrying native Walter Franklin who graduated from Georgia Tech. In Savannah, Anne was involved in the fashion industry as a coordinator and commentator of fashion shows and creator and director of the Town & Country Charm Schoo ...
Rosemary S. Sanders - JUN 19, 2019
Rosemary Schomburg Sanders, 92, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at her daughter’s residence. She was born July 31, 1926 to the late Dr. Otto Meinhart Schomburg and Mary O’Shea Schomburg. Rosemary was a 1944 graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy and was a communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Brannen Sanders, Jr., and her brother, James Schomburg. Surviving are her son, Thomas B. Sanders, III (Sharon) of Miami, FL, her daughters, Ginger Robertson (Mike) of Savannah, and Carol Coppola (Sam) of Savannah. ...
Barbara Jean Lang - JUN 18, 2019
Barbara Jean Lang, age 73 of Savannah, Georgia passed away peacefully at her home on June 18, 2019. Barbara was a sweet and generous person. Most of her life involved volunteering with Memorial Health Hospital, Live Oak Public Library and the Georgia Historical Society. Born October 10, 1945 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia; she attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School; spent two years at Saint Vincent’s Academy and graduated from Savannah High School with the class of 1965. She received a BA of History from Armstrong State College. She also studied in the areas of Library Sc ...
James Marshall Taylor - JUN 18, 2019
James Marshall Taylor, 89, of Savannah passed away June 18, 2019 under the care of Hospice, at home. Jim was born in Morganfield, Kentucky on December 13, 1929 to James Mansfield Taylor and Hester Louise Taylor (nee Marshall). He attended public schools in Morganfield, Sturgis and Louisville Kentucky. After high school, he worked at construction jobs and as a surveyor. He was drafted in April, 1951 and after basic training at Fort Knox was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 68th Antiaircraft Group, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Upon discharge he went to work for the Louisville and Nashville Railroa ...
Barbara Anne Smith Andrews - JUN 18, 2019
Barbara Anne Smith Andrews passed away on June 18, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Azalea Osgood Smith, and her sister, Mae Smith Gee. Barbara was born April 11, 1940, and raised in Woodland Maine. She graduated from Woodland High School where she was valedictorian of her class. Barbara then went on to attend the University of Maine where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Barbara married Jim Andrews in 1966 and they recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband Jim, she is survived by her ...
James Floyd Martin, Jr. - JUN 16, 2019
James Floyd Martin, Jr., 59, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, James F. Martin, Sr. and Nina Barrow Martin. He retired in 2018 after 21 years of service with the Board of Education. Floyd was a remarkable person with a heart of gold and will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by Janet Bowers (John), and Carol Ansley (Jimmy). Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel. A private graveside service will follow. ...
Sara Ann Runge "Sally" - JUN 16, 2019
Sarah Ann Runge “Sally” died on Sunday, June 16, 2019. The Atlanta native was born on September 9, 1986. She graduated from The Lovett School in Atlanta and attended Auburn University where she studied fashion design and production. Sally’s eclectic talents and creativity and her keen sense of humor endeared her to all who knew her. Sally radiated love and happiness for her friends and family, and her joy was infectious. Sally worked in the fashion industry in New York for seven years. After the birth of her nephew Collier, Sally returned home to Georgia to be closer to him and her family. She ...
Michael Egan Sheppard - JUN 15, 2019
Michael Egan Sheppard died Saturday June 15, 2019 at Hospice Savannah surrounded by his loving family. Egan was born in Savannah, August 19, 1943. He graduated from Sacred Heart School, Benedictine Military School (Class of 1961), and Atlanta Technical College. He was retired as a self-employed Dental Laboratory Technician. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Egan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Grumo Sheppard; his sons, John, Michael (Joey Jandasek), and Danny; grandsons, Jackson and Finn; and brother, Edward; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A pri ...
Dorothy Pauline "Polly" Pilgrim AUG 31, 1925 - JUN 14, 2019
Savannah, GA Mrs. Dorothy Pauline “Polly” Tarleton Pilgrim, age 93, died Friday, June 14, 2019 at Sunabella of Savannah, under the care of Compassionate Care Hospice. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native lived in various locations throughout the country, with her husband serving in the U.S. Navy, before moving to Savannah a number of years ago. She was a very active member of White Bluff United Methodist Church. She enjoyed sewing, and in the past helped her husband build seven airplanes in the garage of their home. Her husband, Samuel Walter Pilgrim, Jr. preceded her in death. Surviving a ...
Janice Lee Brewer - JUN 12, 2019
Janice Lee Brewer, 64, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Tybee Island after a long illness. She was born June 1, 1955 in Savannah, GA to the late Russell Lee and Marjorie Williamson Lee. Janice graduated from Beach High School and attended Life Spring Church in Bloomindale, GA. For over 30 years she owned and operated Westside Glass where she made many lifelong connections. She loved spending time with her family, especially her trips to the beach with her grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Jason Ricks (Elizabeth), her daughters, Leslie Clark (Kenneth), and Lauren Ricks, her brot ...
Osgood Pierce Willis - JUN 11, 2019
Osgood Pierce Willis, 98, peacefully passed away at The Oaks at The Marshes on the morning of Tuesday, June 11TH. Born on October 11TH, 1920 in Rome, Georgia to James Tillman Willis and Anne Willingham Willis, Osgood was educated at Darlington, The Citadel, and the University of Georgia where he was a member of Chi Phi. During World War II he was commissioned at Yale and discharged with the rank of Captain after serving with the 20th Army Air Force in the Pacific. During his forty year career with Delta Air Lines, he held field management positions in Montgomery, Alabama and Shreveport, Louis ...
Carol Brannen Waldhour - JUN 09, 2019
Carol Dyan (Brannen) Waldhour (68), made her transition on June 9, 2019. She left this life in her sleep at home with her family which is how she would have wanted it had she been given a choice. She was born in Jesup, GA & attended high school there before going on to trade school to become a cosmetologist. She worked in that career most of her life until she had to take an early retirement due to a back injury. She married Donald W. Waldhour on 7-7-77 & remained married until his death in 2014. She was also proceeded in death by both of her parents, Collice & Opal Brannen. Surviv ...
Sue Wettengel - JUN 09, 2019
Sue Wettengel, 88 - unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, June 9th. She was predeceased by her husband Philip Wettengel. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Philip F. Wettengel and Anne Wettengel (Philip and Elizabeth) of Worcester MA, Anne (Wettengel) and Joe Harris (JP and Caleb) of North Haven CT, and Steven L. Wettengel and Ellen (Katherine and Ryan) of Medway MA. She was born in Tulsa OK in 1931. Daughter of Vernon and Doris (Ballard) Foster of Belgrade Lakes ME. Sue graduated from Tulsa Central High School and spent her summers working in Belgrade Lakes ME. She graduated fr ...
Howard S Estes, Jr. - JUN 08, 2019
Howard S. Estes, Jr., 86, died peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2019. A team of Howard's colleagues will honor him as they perform a ceremonial flyover at the beginning of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Full military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. ...
Jimmy Lamar Vinson JUL 24, 1944 - JUN 07, 2019
Jimmy Lamar Vinson, age 74, of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 7, 2019. Mr. Vinson was born on July 24, 1944 in Thomasville, GA, the son of the late James Wilbur and Elsie Modena Vinson. He attended Savannah High School and was a veteran of the United States Army. Following his military tenure he worked as a skilled crane Operator and retired from Maxim Crane Works. He was a member of Roger Lacey Lodge #722, F. & A.M.’s. Jimmy enjoyed blue grass music, was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed traveling in his motorhome. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years ...
R. Paul Cetchovich, II - JUN 07, 2019
R. Paul Cetchovich, II, 53, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born in Savannah, son of Ralph Paul Cetchovich and the late Jackie Cetchovich. Paul graduated from Jenkins High School and was an electrician by trade. Surviving are his two daughters, Ella Jo and Ruby Prine Cetchovich of Bradford, MA; father, Ralph Cetchovich of Savannah; sister, Susan C. Snaza of Savannah; nephew and niece, Gary and Grace Snaza of Savannah. At Paul’s request, there will not be a funeral service. We hope friends and family will remember him fondly in every tomorrow. In lieu of fl ...
Nancy Nelson Lewis SEP 23, 1927 - JUN 07, 2019
Nancy Nelson Lewis, 91, passed away peacefully at home just before sunrise on June 7, 2019. She was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, the youngest of 4 children of Walter S. and Lois H. Nelson. They moved to Savannah when Nancy was two years old, where her father began many years of work for the Southern Cotton Oil Company. Nancy graduated from Savannah High School in 1945, and at the age of eighteen married J. Curtis Lewis, Jr. While he pursued a business degree at the University of Georgia, she attended classes there and later at Armstrong College. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until his deat ...
Melanie Holmes Pitts - JUN 06, 2019
Melanie Holmes Pitts, 65, passed away June 6, 2019 in Jupiter, Florida. She was born April 9, 1954 in Thomasville, Georgia to the late John C. Holmes and Frances Waller Holmes. Melanie attended Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, Florida and graduated from Florida Atlantic University and the University of North Florida with degrees in business and accounting. She retired from the Palm Beach County School System as an Accounting Supervisor. Melanie was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and interior design. Surviving are her husband, Barry P. ...
Janice Hernandez - JUN 06, 2019
Janice Hernandez, 71, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019. She was born in Miami, FL daughter of Raymond W. and Anna Howard Walker. Janice lived in the Savannah area for many years and was retired as a police officer from the Chatham County Police Department. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Michelle Hernandez, son, Anthony Parrish Hernandez and former husband, Thomas Joseph Hernandez, Jr. She is survived by her son, Thomas Joseph Hernandez, III; sisters, Rebecca Jahn (Donald) and Diane Martin as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p. ...
Freida H. Hamilton - JUN 05, 2019
Freida H. Hamilton 91 passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Green Cove Springs, Florida. She was born in Bulloch County, was a graduate of Stilson High School, and lived her adult life in Savannah. She retired from Savannah Bank & Trust Co. in 1985, after nineteen years of service, and was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clark T. Hamilton, and her daughter, Sandra “Sandy” Hamilton Quick. Survivors: a son and daughter-in-law, Danny & Stephanie Hamilton of Green Cove Springs, FL; two grandsons, Kevin Clark Hamilton of Sanford FL and Brian ...
Billy Frank Thomas MAY 29, 1943 - JUN 05, 2019
Celebrating the life and memory of Billy Frank “Bill” Thomas who passed away on June 5, 2019 at home with his daughters by his side. “Captain Bill” was born on May 29, 1943 in Little Rock, AR; he grew up in Chattanooga, TN before moving home to Savannah. He was an avid boater, who enjoyed days spent on the Mighty Fine, and was a charter member of the Islands Boat Club. He retired in 2006 following many years as a land surveyor with Coastal Surveying of Hilton Head. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Thomas; parents, Frank Sr. and Margaret Thomas; and brother and sister-in-law, Fran ...
Judith Jones Rowe APR 11, 1945 - JUN 05, 2019
Judith Jones Rowe passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 5th 2019. Judy was born on April 11, 1945 to Marion and Margaret Howard. She was raised in Thunderbolt, GA and lived for more than 25 years on Tybee Island, where she raised her children, Casey and Angie. Judy ran a shrimp boat with her husband Bubba, owned and operated Shrimp Net Restaurant and owned Outback Café. Upon retirement, Judy returned to Thunderbolt where she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Judy was a loving mother, grandmother and sister, a true friend who never ...
Freddie L. Mitchell MAY 30, 1937 - JUN 04, 2019
Freddie was born May 30, 1937, the second son of Ralph and Laverna Mitchell on a farm outside of Claxton, GA. After graduating from Claxton High, Freddie went on to work for AT&T enjoying a 45 year career as a Frame man, Switchman and finally finding his niche in Installation and Repair. Many awards and accolades came his way for his always meticulous work. Besides his love for his work, "Big Fred" loved his family, friends, a good car, NASCAR and Jeff Gordon. He was also a member of the 165 Air National Guard. Freddie is preceded in death by his mother and father and twin brothers, Leon ...
Wayne L. Dickerson, Sr. JUN 07, 1940 - JUN 03, 2019
Wayne L. Dickerson, Sr., 78, learned to swim when his older siblings unceremoniously threw him into the river when he was a small boy, and he demonstrated this same fierce determination in overcoming every obstacle he encountered. He was the first in his family to attend college, he climbed the corporate ladder, retiring as a senior executive with Pfizer, ran the New York City Marathon at age 50, and later in life courageously fought many health issues. Wayne passed away from these health complications on June 3, 2019 in Savannah, Georgia where he lived with his wife on Skidaway Island. He was ...
Judith Gravley Lynn JAN 28, 1930 - JUN 02, 2019
Judith Gravley Lynn, 89, died peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Thunderbolt Transitional Care and Rehabilitation. The Port Royal, SC native was a longtime resident of Savannah. She worked in the office of McCory’s Five & Dime on Broughton and Bull for more than 30 years. Judith was predeceased by her husband, Warren Leroy Lynn; her parents, Charles and Pauline Vaigneur Harris; and her sister, Isabelle Hinely-Powell. Surviving are two sons, Robert Lynn and Raymond Gravley (Julia); a brother, Charles B. Harris; two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Graveside service will be held a ...
Michael Anthony Sailors FEB 07, 1967 - JUN 01, 2019
Michael Anthony Sailors, Sr, 52, died Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA after a brief illness, surrounded by family and close friends. Mike was born February 7, 1967 in Sumter, South Carolina and moved to St Marys, GA in 1976. He graduated from Camden County High School in 1985, and then graduated from the University of Georgia in 1989 with a degree in Risk Management / Insurance. He was a die-hard UGA fan. After college, Mike began working with Prudential Insurance in Atlanta and there he met his wife, Jan. They married May 23, 1992 and had ...
James Francis Robertson, Sr. - JUN 01, 2019
James F. Robertson, Sr. TYBEE ISLAND – James Francis Robertson, Sr., 85, died peacefully at Summer Breeze Assisted Living on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Born in Savannah on June 30, 1933, he was the son of the late John Stewart and Sybilla Hansen Robertson. He attended Benedictine Military School and Armstrong State College and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Jimmy was a communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, a former fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a past Chairman of th ...