Obituaries
Richard William Shomaker, Jr. - JUN 01, 2019
Richard William Shomaker, Jr. SAVANNAH – Richard William Shomaker, Jr. passed away on June 1, 2019 at The Oaks at The Marshes on Skidaway Island. Born December 23, 1925 in Murphysboro, IL, he was a son of Richard W. and Myrtle Parker Shomaker. After serving in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration. His forty-two-year career in the shoe industry began as a Management Trainee with the Brown Shoe Company in 1950. In 1968 he was named Execut ...
James A.F. Knowlton, III - MAY 31, 2019
James Knowlton, 80, died peacefully May 31, 2019 at his home. The Mineola, NY, native lived in Savannah for the past 27 years. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, an avid sailor, and an independent contractor. James was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth August Knowlton; and father, James A.F. Knowlton II. He leaves behind his four children, Katherine Knowlton, Whitney Knowlton, James A. F. Knowlton IV, and Devin Knowlton Farr, and sister, Penelope Reggio. A private family ceremony is being planned and will be held at a later date. ...
Arthur "Art" Wilcox, Jr. - MAY 31, 2019
Arthur William Wilcox, Jr., passed away on May 31, 2019 after a long illness. He was the son of Arthur William Wilcox, Sr. and Ernestine Hyers Wilcox, now deceased. He was 65 years old and was born in Savannah on June 26, 1953. Art attended public schools in Chatham County and graduated from Jenkins High School in 1971. He worked at International Paper until retirement. Art had a great love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman until his eyesight and overall physical health prevented him from doing either. Art is survived by his son, Arthur William Wilcox, III, and his sister an ...
Mary Will Kicklighter Graves - MAY 30, 2019
Mary Will Kicklighter Graves Mary Graves, 90, widow of Henry Graves, passed away May 30, 2019, under the care of Hospice Savannah, with her children by her side. She was born to William T. Kicklighter Jr. and Mary Lynnette Woodham Kicklighter in Claxton, Georgia on January 8, 1929, and grew up in Hawkinsville, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia in 1949 and moved to Savannah where she lived until her death. She married Henry Graves in 1953 and spent the happiest years of her life raising her three children, Beth, Arthur, and John. Her greatest ...
Beverly Diane Pritchett - MAY 30, 2019
Beverly Diane Pritchett, 63, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 at home with her mother by her side. She was born March 4, 1956 in Savannah and was a resident of North Carolina before moving back home to Savannah to live with her mother. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and was of the Episcopal faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Pritchett, and her father, Leonard M. Hendrix. Surviving are her mother, Anne Bass Hendrix, her brothers, David Hendrix, and Donald Hendrix and his wife Jill, all of Savannah. A Graveside Service ...
Mark Adam LeMay APR 09, 1964 - MAY 30, 2019
Our hearts are heavy laden this day, and with you, our dear friends and family, I share the following... Mark Adam LeMay, aged 55, Savannah native and lifelong resident, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on May 30, 2019. Mark is survived by a brother, Roger A. LeMay; a sister, Denise M. LeMay; his eldest nephew, Joseph A. Jones; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederic W. LeMay and Dorothy C. LeMay; a sister, Louise P. LeMay; two brothers, George J. LeMay and Norman P. LeMay; and his beloved canine companion, Abbey. Ma ...
Louis Getz Ambos, III (Dewey) - MAY 29, 2019
Louis Getz Ambos III (Dewey) - Savannah, GA Dewey Ambos, 55, died Wednesday after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and best Labrador friend Sam. Dewey was born in Savannah, GA on May 31,1963 to Louis G. Ambos II and Suzanne C. Ambos. He was a 1983 graduate of H.V. Jenkins High School and was a partner at Ambos Seafoods with his brothers Hal and Drew. Growing up in Mayfair and Skidaway Island, Dewey found a love for sailing which grew overtime taking him from a Sandpiper in Lake Mayer to the helm of a Laser in the Wilmington River. Dewey loved the wa ...
Dr. H. Rex Holloway, Jr. - MAY 29, 2019
Dr. H. Rex Holloway, Jr., 89, of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, May 29 after a nearly 2 year long batter with cancer. Rex was a loving husband and is survived by his wife Jackie. He is also survived by his 6 children Susan, Steven (JoEllen), Margan (Kurt), Elizabeth (Mike), John, and Jacob (Tracy), 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Besides being an avid golfer, he was quite the athlete. In golf, he had numerous aces and was a Club Champion at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club in Michigan. Professionally, he was an accomplished family practice p ...
John Everett Donnelly - MAY 28, 2019
John Everett Donnelly, 78, of Savannah, GA and Hutchinson Island, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 28, 2019 surrounded by those who loved him most. John is preceded in death by his parents Ann (Horan) and Everett Donnelly, he was their only child. John leaves his loving wife of 53- years, Brenda, two daughters Kristin of Wheelersburg, OH and Nicole (Joe) Ryan of Columbus, OH. He loved his family endlessly and found unlimited joy in his grandkids, who affectionately called him PopPop, Bradley of Wheelersburg, OH along with Kenna, Jake and Quinn of Columbus, OH. John graduated from ...
Mary Lee Nelson Lebey SEP 23, 1925 - MAY 28, 2019
Mary Lee Nelson Lebey, 93, passed away on Tuesday, May 28th 2019. She was born on September 23, 1925, the daughter of Lois Horner and Walter Scott Nelson. She grew up in Christ Church where she was married and involved for years teaching Sunday school, the Tour of Homes, and chairman of the building restoration committee. In later years she worshipped at St. John’s Episcopal. She had a love for all things beautiful, but her true joy was in her family her home, and her garden, where her special gifts were evident. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Clifford S. Lebey, ...
Gilbert F. Zellner OCT 12, 1940 - MAY 28, 2019
Mr. Gilbert F. Zellner, age 78, died Tuesday at his residence. The Ohio native lived in Savannah for a number of years. He was retired from Tiffin Enterprises in Tiffin, Ohio. Surviving are two daughters, Stephanie Zellner or Savannah and Mary Zellner of Republic, Ohio; a sister, Betty Funkhouser of Ohio; and three grandchildren, Robert Shawberry, Patricia Zellner, and Samantha Zellner. Funeral will be private. Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. ...
Fred C. Turner - MAY 27, 2019
Fred Turner, 72, of Orlando, Florida, died Monday, May 27. He is survived by his wife Dr. Janie Turner, his daughter Caroline Turner of Seattle, his son Scott Turner and Scott's wife Karen Love of Greenville, and two sisters, Dr. Patricia Turner and Jane Turner. Fred worked with his dad at A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, Georgia, for 42 years before retiring with Janie to Orlando. He was active in many community organizations, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his family. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 30, at 1:00 at Northside United Methodist Church, with a r ...
Wyndell Lee Cook - MAY 26, 2019
Wyndell Lee Cook, 79, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Hospice House with his family by his side. He was born May 14, 1940 in Guyton, GA to the late Roscoe and Hattie Cook. He graduated from Effingham County High School in 1958 and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Georgia. He was a member of Hull Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served an Elder, and later became a member and Deacon of Independent Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cook was a former member of the Savannah Yacht Club, the Debtors Club, a member of the Georgia Pharmaceutical Association, a ...
Florence Parr McAllister - MAY 26, 2019
Florence Parr McAllister passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019 at her residence with her family by her side. She was born in Damascus, Georgia on July 7, 1926 to John and Leila Parr but lived in Savannah most or her life. She was a longstanding member of Wilmington Island United Methodist Church, Friendship Sunday School Class, and of Senior Friendship Days. After raising her children, Florence worked for Chatham County Public Schools for nine years. She was a bookkeeper at Universal Machine and Fabrication in Garden City from which she retired in 1988. She follows her husband, Joe Earl McAllister, ...
Cecile Donaldson Linton - MAY 25, 2019
Cecile Donaldson Linton, 81, of Savannah, passed away on May 25, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 10, 1938 in Savannah to Durell Donaldson and Virgin Woodcock. She went to Commercial High School and married William Lonnie Linton Jr. on December 21, 1956. She grew up enjoying the beach and loved playing bingo at various places including the American Legion on Tybee. She was a member of the ladies Auxiliary at the F.O.E. for many years. She was an avid Braves fan who rarely missed a game. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband along with her daughte ...
Bobby Ray Kitchens - MAY 25, 2019
Bobby Ray Kitchens, 76, from Tybee Island, GA and southern California passed away on May 25, 2019. He was born in Inglewood, CA. He loved anything with a motor. He raced cars, boats and motorcycles, anything with speed. He loved classic and outlaw country and oldtime rock and roll music. He had a pilots and captains license. He was a member of the Tybee Island Marine Rescue Squadron (MRS) for 17 years and served as Skipper for a year. He loved life and spending it with his wife of 38 years Elaine (Elaina). He had a loving family. They included his father James Kitchens (passed away in 1 ...
Melinda Abbott Lanier - MAY 25, 2019
Melinda was born on June 25, 1932 in Tientsin, China, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Melvin and Marguerite Abbott. Her father was serving as a naval surgeon stationed in China at that time. She lived in Panama, Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA as well as Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Her family lived in Pembroke, GA during the World War II and she attended schools there. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1953 and returned to Savannah to work with the Georgia Extension Service. While at UGA she was a member of Phi Beta Phi social sorority. She married Ellison Lanier in 1955 and lived ...
William Robert Gunn - MAY 24, 2019
William Robert Gunn passed away on May 24, 2019 at the age of 78. He was born on August 28, 1940 and was a resident of Savannah his entire life. He served four years in the 117th Air National Guard and was also an Eagle Scout. Mr. Gunn graduated from Savannah High in 1958 and worked for Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant for 51 years. He was proceeded in death by his father; Jesse Lawson Gunn and his mother; Dorothy Sparks. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debra Gunn, children; Rick Gunn (Pam), Shelly Compton (Ernie), Jason Gunn and Amanda Gunn, brother; Sonny Gunn, grandchildren; Mitchell, Ch ...
William D. "Bill" Sheils - MAY 24, 2019
William David (Bill) Sheils died surrounded by his loving family on May 24th, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Savannah, GA. Bill was born in Eau Claire, WI, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor's degree in business. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and was the founder of the Packer Prayer Group (PPG). He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from April 1954 to April 1956. He was an elite member of the Remington Raiders. Bill earned his Master’s Degree in Business Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. Bill is preceded ...
Susan Karen Wilson Rankin AUG 02, 1960 - MAY 23, 2019
Susan “Susie” Karen Wilson Rankin, a devoted, selfless, and extraordinary wife, mother, daughter, sister, nurse and friend, died on Thursday, May 23, 2019. She was 58. Susie was born in Savannah on August 2, 1960 to the late George "Bud" and Kathleen Brown Wilson. She was a 1978 graduate of Bible Baptist School and a 1994 graduate of Armstrong State College where she earned an Associates Degree in Nursing. For more than 26 years, Susie worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital. By always putting others comfort first and foremost, Susie had a unique gift of connecting with ...
James Thomas Hargreaves, III OCT 05, 1980 - MAY 22, 2019
James T. Hargreaves, III died peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at home. James was predeceased by his beloved grandpa, Wally Taylor; and his uncle and aunt, Greg and Becky Taylor. The lifelong resident of Savannah was a 1999 graduate of Calvary Day School. He attended East Georgia College in Statesboro and received an Associates of Science Degree in General Studies from St. Leo’s University. James was an avid collector of many things including comic books and anime figurines. He was currently employed by MECO. Surviving are his mother, Debbie Lanier; his maternal grandmother, Mary Taylor; ...
Carolyn Carroll Haynes - MAY 21, 2019
Carolyn Carroll Haynes, 96, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019. She was born October 29, 1922 in McCormick, SC. She lived in Augusta, GA and Jacksonville, FL before moving to Savannah in the mid 1940’s to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Draftsman. Carolyn retired from the Corps of Engineers in 1979 after 30 plus years of service. After retirement she worked part time for Saussy Engineering for 10 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Angus Joseph Haynes, her mother and father, Lazinka Reynolds Carroll and Floyd Landon Carroll, two sisters, Ruth Carroll Spe ...
Michael Patterson Ruf - MAY 20, 2019
Michael Patterson Ruf, 36, loving son, brother, brother-in-law and nephew passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Phoenix, AZ, on Monday, May 20, 2019. The son of Lawrence E. and Patricia B. Ruf, Michael was born in Savannah on November 1, 1982. He is a 2001 honor graduate of Benedictine Military School and a graduate of Atlanta Technical Institute with an associate degree. He has worked for G.E. in Phoenix for the past three years. He is predeceased by his mother Patricia Brown Ruf, grandparents Gilbert and Eloise Ruf, and Charles and Alma Brown. He is survived by his father La ...
Jeffery Todd Embry - MAY 20, 2019
Jeffrey Todd Embry passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Vicksburg, MS in 1967. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was of the Catholic faith. He owned and operated several successful businesses in Savannah. He was a sports enthusiast and loved coaching little league soccer. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Bernice (Doc) Clark Embry and Susan W. Embry. He is survived by his wife, Natalya Embry, son; Wesley Embry, daughter; Milana Ligersu, sisters; Peggy Robinson (Kei ...
Francis Earl "Frank" Aliffi, Jr. - MAY 19, 2019
Francis Earl “Frank” Aliffi, Jr., age 70, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on May 19, 2019, with his wife by his side. Frank was born of July 22, 1948 in Savannah to Francis Earl “Frank” Aliffi, Sr. and LaVeta Felton Aliffi. He was a 1966 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Frank served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 1968 to 1974. Frank is survived by his wife, Jane Jones Aliffi, of Savannah; his daughter, Anna ...
Richard H. Horton SEP 17, 1942 - MAY 19, 2019
Richard Howard Horton, 76, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Savannah, Georgia. He was born September 17, 1942 to Claude and Elizabeth Horton and was raised with his four siblings in Savannah, graduating from Savannah High School in 1959. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering and later completed a master’s degree in business. He married his wife Emily, also of Savannah, in 1964 and their only child Becky was born in 1967. After college, he began a career with Union Carbide in Cartersville, Georgia. His job took him to New York City, where he and his family ...
Charles Edward Cole JUL 11, 1955 - MAY 18, 2019
Charles Edward Cole died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, while visiting Savannah, Georgia, his childhood hometown. A residence of Longmont since 2002, Charles had planned to return to Savannah to live part-time and had just purchased a home three days before his death. Charles was born in Savannah July 11, 1955 to Ernestine and Thomas Graham Cole. A graduate of Southern Technical Institute, he also held a master’s degree in computer science from Mercer University. His dedication to his career took him away from Savannah and through the years he held several senior database IT positions with ...
Loren Baron Laney - MAY 17, 2019
Loren Baron Laney of Savannah, Georgia, died on May 17, 2019. Loren was born on February 26, 1964 in Asheville, NC to Landy Baron Laney and LaVerne Hooper Laney. His life was anything but boring. A natural performer, Loren began entertaining the world at a young age, from sharing the stage with his sister and dance parter Leisa Dianne Laney Fink, to his many performances while a student at the North Carolina School of the Arts and later the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He would dedicate his life and career to bringing beauty into this world through his performances, his designs, his style, ...
William Arthur Miller, M.D. - MAY 16, 2019
William Arthur Miller, M.D. departed this life peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at his home in Bluffton, South Carolina, with his wife by his side. Dr. Miller was born in Akron, Ohio on February 11, 1936. He was the son of Harold Fred and Emily Kennedy Miller. He grew up on the family farm in rural Ohio where he learned the value of hard work. Dr. Miller was a graduate of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio and the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, where he was a Baker Scholar. He was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity. He served in the National Guard in Connecticut and G ...
William Ernest "Billy" Phillips, Jr. APR 01, 1938 - MAY 16, 2019
William E. (“Billy”) Phillips, Jr., 81, of Savannah, GA, died peacefully Thursday, May 16, 2019. Billy was born April 1, 1938, in Savannah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Edna Phillips, his beloved son, Chuck Phillips, his beloved grandson, Brian Parker, and his sisters, Betty Davis and Mildred Douglas. Billy married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marya Snell, in 1958. They were married for over 60 years and had a long and wonderful life together. His pride and joy were his four children (Chuck, Chris, Cathy, and Craig), whom he loved dearly. He is su ...