Obituaries
Dwaine Lee Willett - AUG 19, 2019
Dwaine Lee Willett, 93, of Bluffton, South Carolina, died on August 19, 2019, at Memorial University Medical Center. Born to Alfred Willett and Loida Elaine Etherton on July 7, 1926, and raised in Superior, Nebraska, Mr. Willett resided in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana before settling in the Lowcountry eleven years ago. From 1945 through 1948, Mr. Willett served in the Air Force. Upon discharge, he received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Willett then studied accounting at Hartness Business College. In 1949, he became an office manag ...
Robert & Ann Grotheer - AUG 18, 2019
Robert Alton Grotheer and Florence Ann Newton Grotheer Ann Grotheer, 84, passed away on August 18, 2019 and her husband, Bobby Grotheer, 86, passed away on August 19th, 2019. The two were married in 1953 and had just celebrated 66 years of marriage. Ann and Bobby are best known for their owning and operating the Piggly Wiggly at Newton’s Corner in Sandfly for 38 years. They both gave so much support to the Isle of Hope community through their work at the store. Ann was born in Rocky Ford, Georgia on January 30, 1935 to Ralph and Eva Newton. Bobby was born in Pooler, Georgia on April 1, 1933 ...
Joyce Page Kleinsteuber - AUG 18, 2019
Joyce Page Kleinsteuber passed away at home under the care of Compassionate Care Hospice surrounded by her family and friends on Sunday, August 18, 2019. She was born April 1, 1925 in Rocky Mount, NC. She moved to Savannah in 1947 making a home for her three children. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Parkersburg Garden Club and treasured her two bridge clubs. She was an avid Braves fan, loved gardening and spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She lived fiercely, loved deeply and never missed the ...
Walton L. Bazemore, Jr. - AUG 18, 2019
Walton L. Bazemore, Jr., 80, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Hospice Savannah. He was born December 25, 1938 in Savannah to the late Walton L. Bazemore, Sr. and Claire Sack Bazemore. Mr. Bazemore was a graduate of Savannah High School where he was in the Navy ROTC. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and was retired as an Architect. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, and attended Armstrong State College and graduated from Southern Technical Institute. He was an active member of Forest City Gun Club, and a member of Savannah Shrine Club and Elks Lodge. He was also the founde ...
CW4 (Ret) Gary W. Danhof, U.S. Army Retired - AUG 17, 2019
CW4 (Ret) Gary W. Danhof Gary W. Danhof, 69, of Richmond Hill, passed away peacefully on August 17, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. He was born on February 5, 1950 in E. Lansing, Michigan and lived in numerous locations growing up. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and, after flight school, became a UH-1 “Dustoff” helicopter pilot. He flew nearly 900 combat hours in Vietnam, and was chosen to train Vietnamese helicopter pilots. He continued to serve his country faithfully for 20 years. Later in his Army career he transferred to fixed-wing aircraft and often transported VIPs, ...
Frederick Georges Deckert - AUG 16, 2019
Frederick G. Deckert Frederick Georges Deckert, 105, died Friday, August 16, 2019 at Savannah Commons. He was born March 2, 1914 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Frederick and Mami Georges Deckert. He retired as Vice-President of Reese Printing Company and was a resident of Savannah for the past 20 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Stachnick Deckert, who passed away in 2009. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Pat Deckert of Savannah, and other relatives and friends. A private service and burial will be held at a later date i ...
Rhea Louise Myers - AUG 16, 2019
Rhea Louise Myers, 81, passed away on August 16, 2019 after an extended respiratory illness. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, lowa on September 30, 1937, the second of three children of Hugh & Mary Love Rukgaber, both deceased. Rhea treasured her childhood growing up on the family farm. Playing in corn fields, tree climbing, playing on the rafters in the barn, playing in the streams, digging tunnels in snowdrifts, all were important memories. She often spoke of family pets, not just cats and dogs but a raccoon, a scentless skunk and a badger, all orphaned youngsters brought home from the fiel ...
Mrs. Lynne Aiken McGarity JAN 19, 1950 - AUG 14, 2019
Lynne Aiken McGarity, 69, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 in Savannah, GA. The daughter of the late Clyde and Harriet Aiken, Lynne was born in Greensboro, NC. Lynne was a former realtor, avid gardener, and a lover of all animals. She is survived by her loving husband Ron; three children, Robin Dowden (Jimmy), Mark McGarity (Erin) and Natalie Thier (Joey); and two brothers, Clyde Aiken (Betty) and Joel Aiken (Patsy); and seven grandchildren. Her life revolved around her family and grandchildren, her pets, flowers, and doing good for all those she met that were in need. S ...
Michael William Burch - AUG 13, 2019
Michael William Burch, 75, died August 13, 2019 at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. He was born February 11, 1944 in Tacoma, Washington and lived in Washington, California, Texas and Pennsylvania before moving to Skidaway Island of Savannah, Georgia in 1993. Mike graduated from Toppenish (WA) High School in 1962 and earned a BA of Science in Business and Marketing from the University of Washington in 1966. He began a full time employment with Shell Oil’s financial department in San Francisco. Mike continued to advance in the business world as a district, divisional an ...
Dean A. Yannucci - AUG 12, 2019
Dean A. Yannucci, 76, formally of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah on August 12, 2019 following a two and a half year illness. Prior to relocating recently to Savannah, Dean and his wife Mary Lou lived on Hilton Head Island for 15 years. Dean was born June 27, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the son of late Emma (Danyi) and Dean M. Yannucci. On May 20, 1972 he married Mary Louise Sotak, his loving wife of 47 years. In addition to Mary Lou, Dean is survived by his daughter Dr. Jennifer Yannucci and her husband Michael Cournoyer of Savannah, GA ...
Randall C. Johnson - AUG 12, 2019
Randall C. Johnson peacefully left this life to be with the Lord on August 12, 2019 after battling a rare lung disease. To the world he was an accomplished businessman, community leader, and church elder. To his family he was a loving father, dedicated husband, and an example of a life well-lived. He exhibited leadership and faith beginning early during his upbringing in Coral Gables, Florida. His leadership continued as a member of Sigma Chi at University of Miami where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1971 and later, his Masters in Finance. He was the CEO of Equitable Mortgage, and by ag ...
Alexander Daniel Vasquez - AUG 11, 2019
Alexander Daniel Vasquez, 12, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019. Alex was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 3, 2006. After moving to Savannah, he attended Southwest Middle School where he was currently in the 7th grade. A lover of video games and sports, he especially enjoyed football, basketball and swimming during trips to the beach. He frequently attended Compassion Christian Church with friends. Alex was loving, caring and supportive to his family and friends. Surviving are his mother, Wanda Vasquez; father, Thomas Vasquez; siblings, Joshua, Aalihza, Emilia and twin brother, ...
Jan E. Obert - AUG 11, 2019
Jan E. Obert, 63, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Hospice House. She was born June 1, 1956 in Osaka, Japan. She was raised all over the world and loved Fairbanks, Alaska and Tybee Island. Jan attended Johnson High School, and was employed by Savannah Beach and Oceanside Nursing Homes for 33 years as a CNA. She worked at Summer Breeze Assisted Living facility on Wilmington Island for the last 16 years, also as a CNA. A very special and kind woman who loved animals; she is remembered as someone who always gave of herself to others in work and play. She was preceded in death by her father, ...
Henry L. Backus, III - AUG 10, 2019
Lin Backus, 78, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 10, 2019, in Savannah. The son of the late Henry and Margaret Backus, Lin was born in Savannah, Georgia on February 3, 1941. He was a lover of gardening and an avid yachtsman. He spent several years traveling along the seacoast and was a competitive saltwater angler. Lin and his wife, Jeanne, were passionate travelers and journeyed to several exciting places around the world. He loved gatherings with family and friends, photography, being outdoors and his home on the water. Lin is survived by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Benson, his son ...
Irma Heitmann - AUG 10, 2019
Thunderbolt- Irma Howe Heitmann, 98, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Assured Hospice in Cartersville, GA. She lived most of her life in Thunderbolt. She was a member of the Thunderbolt Senior Citizens Center for 32 years and long-time member of St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Her husband of 61 years, William (Willie) Heitmann preceded her in death. Surviving are her daughter, Marguerite Lee (Aubrey) of Woodstock, GA; son, William (Bill) Heitmann, Jr. (Avalyn) of Thunderbolt; grandchildren, W.R. Hughes (Nancy) of Shellmans Bluff, GA, Kim Ittel (John) of Canton, GA, W. F. Heitma ...
Col. Terence Andrew Powers (Ret., USA) DEC 19, 1924 - AUG 09, 2019
Colonel Terence Andrew Powers (Retired) died peacefully at age 94 on Friday, August 9th, 2019 after a long and happy life. Terry was the last surviving child of 9 children in the Irish Catholic family of Charles F. and Loretto M. Powers. Born on December 19, 1924 in Savannah, he was one of the greatest men of the greatest generation. A 1949 West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and retired in 1977. A life-long Hibernian Society member, he leaves behind a large community of people whose lives are better for knowing him. Terry dedicated his life to ...
William A. Baker FEB 15, 1920 - AUG 09, 2019
William A. Baker passed away August 9, 2019, at the age of 99, under the extraordinary care of the staff at Hospice Savannah. Billy was a native of Savannah and was married to the late Elizabeth Cain for 67 years. He had one child, William A. Baker, Jr. (Bill). He served his country in World War II, spending three years with the 832nd Engineer Aviation Battalion, building air bases and runways in England and on the continent for the Army Air Corp. After the war he continued his military career serving as an artillery officer in the Army Reserves, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel in 1975. He ...
Joan Ledbetter Gleaton - AUG 08, 2019
Joan Ledbetter Gleaton passed away peacefully on August 8, 2019 surrounded by her family. Joan was a native of Savannah and was married for 63 years to the late Earl Gleaton. Joan was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. She is survived by her three daughters, Laura Gleaton, Marianna Pedrick (Jim), Jenny Minick (Mickey). Also, grandchildren, Brett Minick (Milly), Anna Minick, Thomas Pedrick and a great- grandson, Brett Francisco Minick. Joan absolutely adored a beagle companion, Molly, who has been sleeping at the foot of her bed missing her. The family would like to thank Joan’s caregiver ...
Susan Burnsed Sanders FEB 07, 1951 - AUG 06, 2019
Susan Burnsed Sanders passed away peacefully under the care of her loving family and Hospice Savannah on Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Susan was born to Franklin and Cleta Burnsed on February 7, 1951 and spent her childhood with her brother, Ben Burnsed, on Tybee Island. She graduated in 1969 from Savannah High School. Susan married Dennis Sanders on June 24, 1976 and spent most of their 42 years together on Wilmington Island, raising their two children, Jason and April. Susan was a kind person who loved her family, pets, music, and her beautiful flowers. She was a friend to many and enjoyed life t ...
Jack Henry Vinall - AUG 05, 2019
Jack Henry Vinall, Sr, 98, passed away on Monday, August 5th at his residence under the care of loving family and Hospice Savannah. Jack was born in Grinnell, Iowa to Thomas Henry and Bernice June Cooper Vinall on May 14th, 1921 and attended schools in Iowa and Chicago, Ill. The Iowa farm boy was brought to Savannah by the Army Air Force during WWII where he was an aircraft and engine mechanic, but it was a Southern Belle that kept him here for the next 75 years. He worked for several companies in electrical maintenance before retiring from the Georgia Ports Authority in 1986 as the bulk facil ...
Lois Lane Purvis - AUG 05, 2019
Lois Lane Purvis, 99, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019 from kidney failure and its complications. She is survived by her daughter Jayne Cunningham of Hillsborough, NC, her son and daughter-in-law Tom and Darlene Purvis of Orlando, FL, her granddaughter Kathryn Ann Cunningham of Garner, NC, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Lois was born on March 1, 1920 as the youngest daughter of Henry Elsbery Lane and Martha Jane Lane of Chowan County, NC. She graduated from Louisburg College, Louisburg, NC, in 1939. On May 10, 1941 she married Thomas Theodore Purvis of Savannah, GA. During World W ...
Juanita Riner Halligan SEP 11, 1924 - AUG 05, 2019
Juanita Riner Halligan, 94, went to her heavenly home from her earthly home August 5, 2019, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. She was born September 11, 1924, in Soperton, Georgia, to Jonah L., Sr. and Sapola Brinson Riner. She grew up in Vidalia and moved to Savannah in 1945 with her husband, Joe Troy Halligan. Fondly called Mamma, Lady, Aunt Nita, and Nana, she was a homemaker and Christian servant. Known for “Nana’s Sweet Tea” and potato salad, her home and heart were always open to any in need of love and care, and her smile could brighten the darkest day. She was a member of Mornings ...
Theodore Dale Migchelbrink JAN 18, 1942 - AUG 05, 2019
On Monday, August 5, 2019 Theodore Dale Migchelbrink, loving husband and father of three children, passed peacefully at the age of 77 at Pruitt Health. Born and raised in Parma, Ohio, he made Savannah Georgia his second home. A one-time chemist, he proved to be a successful heavy-duty truck salesman for over 40 years. Ted was preceded in death by his Mother Antoinette, Father Theodore, brother Robert and sister Nancy. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years Linda, daughter Terri (Jerry) Lanham, sons Anthony (Melissa Mauldin) and Theodore Jr (Dejla), Brother Timothy (Nancy) plus 3 g ...
Penny Ann Boyd Rhines NOV 01, 1936 - AUG 04, 2019
Penny Ann Boyd Rhines, affectionately known as Honey, passed away peacefully under the care of her loving family on August 4, 2019. She was born to Penn and Anna Boyd on November 1, 1936, at her home in Statesboro, Georgia. In 1945 the family moved to the Isle of Hope where her father operated the grocery store. She graduated in 1954 from Savannah High School. She and her beloved husband Clyde Hastings Rhines, operated Rhines Florist. She was a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School over many decades to women from young married to senior adults. She was invo ...
Vaughn D. Jernigan - AUG 03, 2019
Vaughn D. Jernigan, 64, died Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Hospice Savannah. He was born September 22, 1954 in Savannah. He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce Jernigan and Frances Goodman Jernigan. Vaughn was a 1972 graduate of Savannah Christian High School. He was employed for over twenty years with Forest Lawn Memory Gardens where he served as a family service counselor. Surviving are his wife Donnie Hall Jernigan; son, Dorian Jernigan; daughters, Michele Wooten (Scott) and Nicole Hair (Thomas); six grandchildren and two brothers, Lloyd Jernigan (Peggy) and Dave Jernigan A memorial s ...
Robert "Bob" Kehoe Golden - AUG 02, 2019
Robert ‘Bob’ Kehoe Golden passed away in Savannah, Georgia on the morning of August 2, 2019. Bob was comforted by loved ones during his last days. Born to Frank and Carolyn Thomson Golden, Bob and his brothers, Hugh and Don (Susan), were raised on Tybee Island, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah High and the University of Georgia. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1964-1966. In the 1970’s and 1980’s Bob was a pioneering geophysicist and influential oil industry executive. His work led Bob, his former wife Sandy Golden and their children Pierce and Carolyn to happy adventures ac ...
Kenneth Andrew Smoak SEP 29, 1947 - AUG 02, 2019
Kenneth Andrew Smoak, 71, died August 2, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Orangeburg, SC, September 29, 1947, and lived in Savannah most of his life. Throughout his life he worked at Savannah Bank, Sea Pines, Savannah Foods, Savannah Electric, and Southern Company. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Andrew Smoak and Carrie Elizabeth Walters Smoak. Surviving are his wife, Diane Carlton Smoak, of Savannah; son, Andrew Thomas Smoak (Cynthia) of Marietta, GA; daughter, Sarah Kathleen Smoak Ledy (Cal) of Ocala, FL; grandchildren Laura and Jackson Smoak and Greysun, ...
BM2 Ricky Allen Reese, Jr. - AUG 01, 2019
Ricky Reese, Jr., age 25, of Guyton was called home to the Lord on August 1, 2019. Ricky graduated from boot camp on September 11, 2015 and was currently a Boatswain’s Mate 2nd. Class of the United States Coast Guard stationed in Kodiak, Alaska where he served on the cutter Spar. Prior to Kodiak, Ricky was first stationed in Jacksonville, Florida serving on the cutter Maria Bray and his second assignment was in Cleveland, Ohio serving on the cutter Neah Bay. Ricky always had a positive attitude. He was kind, loving and always happy. He was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off ...
Bonnie Gutzler Hutchinson - AUG 01, 2019
Bonnie Sue Hutchinson, 75, died on August 1, 2019, peacefully after a long battle with cancer. She died, surrounded by family and friends. Bonnie was the wife of Thomas Koffolt. Bonnie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 16, 1944. She graduated from James Madison University in 1966. She had a very full life, having lived in Texas, Washington State, Nebraska, Florida and making Savannah, Georgia her final home in 1995. Bonnie retired from the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health Care System, after working as a Diabetes Educator for 20 years. One of Bonnies favorite things to do was to attend ...
William "John" Davis - JUL 31, 2019
William John Davis, 69, passed peacefully on July 31, 2019 at Memorial Health University Medical Center surrounded by his family. John was born on October 11, 1949 in Savannah, GA, where he lived his whole life. He graduated from Jenkins High School in 1968. John worked in the family business, Jack V. Davis and Sons Painting, for several years before he started Davis Paint and Wallcovering on DeRenne Avenue in the 1970s. John was then co-owner of Davis Brothers Painting, and later was the regional sales representative for Diversey Chemical before retiring. He was an active member of The Gideon ...