Obituaries
Will Brown SEP 03, 1996 - JUN 25, 2018
Will Brown, 21, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018 while in the safety of his grandparent’s home. The Savannah native was born on September 3, 1996. Will lived in Richmond Hill before moving to Lyons when he was 10 years old. Surviving are his brother, Ethan Brown; his sister, Lexi Brown; his father, Jay Brown; his grandparents, Conny and Ronny Brown of Port Wentworth; his aunt and uncle, Kiley and Braun Sheppard; his uncle Danny Brown of Covington; his cousins, Amelia Roberts and Veronica Sheppard, both of Richmond Hill. “A brighter smile you never would see, and a kinder soul you never wil ...
James Jules Orgeron - JUN 25, 2018
James Jules Orgeron, 92, passed away Monday, June 25, 2018 after a long happy and well lived life. Jim was born July 1, 1925 in Blanks, Louisiana. He spent his early years on the family dairy farm and was very proud of his Cajun heritage. He answered the countrie’s call and served in WWII as a pilot. He later turned his love for flying into a life long career. He met Erma Jean Orgeron, the love of his life, while stationed in Nebraska. Their 72 year marriage provided a loving environment for their 4 boys. Jim had a long career as a corporate pilot for McDermott in New Orleans, LA. He started a ...
Allen M. Zaffiro - JUN 25, 2018
Allen M. Zaffiro, 80, passed away Monday, June 25, 2018 at Summer Breeze on Wilmington Island. He was born December 2, 1937 in Fortress Monroe, Virginia son of William and Mary Granitos Zaffiro and lived in Savannah most of his life. Allen’s Christian faith and values defined his life and positive outlook. He saw the best in everyone he met, touched many lives and left many with memorable stories. He proudly served his country for six years in the United States Marine Corps. Allen was general manager at Dan Vaden for most of his career and served as a “Blue Coat” at the Chatham County Court ...
Loretto "Retta" Buttimer OCT 22, 1942 - JUN 24, 2018
Loretto “Retta” Buttimer Mrs. Loretto “Retta” Powers Buttimer, 75, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 30, at 1 p.m. in St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. A visitation and rosary will be held Friday, June 29, from 5:00–7:00 pm, at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, GA 31406. Mrs. Buttimer was a native of Savannah and spent several years in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Milledgeville, Georgia. She was loving ...
Beverly Ray Flaherty - JUN 24, 2018
Beverly Ray Flaherty, 84, died Sunday, June 24, 2018 at his residence. He was born April 4, 1934 in Savannah to the late Thomas Flaherty, Jr. and Helen Ashmore Flaherty. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1953 and from the University of Georgia in 1965. He served in the Georgia Air National Guard and was a member of Bull Street Baptist Church. He was retired from the Department of Agriculture after 29 years of service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Flaherty, III. Surviving are his wife, Sarah Carter Flaherty, four nieces, Ashby Kent Fox (Jon ...
Thomas O. Childs, III - JUN 23, 2018
Thomas O. Childs, III, 58, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Candler Hospital. He was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL son of Thomas O. Childs, Jr. and Florence Barnes Childs. Thomas was retired from J&L Glass Company where he was an estimator. Surviving are his wife of 13 years, Debbie Childs of Savannah, Georgia; mother Florence Childs Simmons of Indiana; sisters Carolyn Dorsey of Texas, Barbara Lemaich of Indiana, and Terri Mize of Kentucky; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas O. Childs, Jr. and a sister Sarah Ann (Sally) Childs Peacock. ...
Patricia Ray - JUN 23, 2018
Patricia Ray, 65, departed this life on Saturday, June 23, 2018 after a long illness. She was born in Savannah, daughter of the late George W. and Mary Helen Jones Ray. Patricia worked in sales in the real estate industry for many years. Surviving are her brothers, Montfort “Monte” S. Ray (Marjorie) of Richmond Hill; Peter T. Ray of Athens and a niece Natalie Taylor Ray of Athens. The funeral service will be private. Remembrances may be made to St. John’s Church, One West Macon St., Savannah, GA 31401. Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxadnweeks.com ...
Patrick B. (Pat) Keary NOV 09, 1932 - JUN 22, 2018
Patrick (Pat) Keary (85) passed away peacefully on June 22, 2018 at his home. He fought Parkinson’s for a number of years. Pat was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Patrick & Margaret Keary and his sister, Veronica. Pat leaves behind the love of his life, Helen, his wife of 63 years; son Sean and Diana, their children William, Kate & Megan; and son Brian and Lynn and children Bridgett & Garrett. After high school Pat joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War. He then joined Kraft Foods while obtaining his college degree ...
Barbara June Heater JUN 13, 1921 - JUN 21, 2018
Barbara Heater, died on June 21, 2018. Born on June 13, 1921 in Detroit, MI and raised in Piqua, OH, Barbara led a full and active life for all of her 97 years. On November 20, 1940, she married the love of her life, George Heater. Together, she and George raised four beautiful children. Barbara was very active in her community and church having served on the Board of Energy for Piqua, OH and was voted Business Woman of the Year for Piqua, OH. A woman of many talents, Barbara was a gifted seamstress, avid bridge player, world traveler, painter, quilter, bowler, golfer, and played the organ. Sh ...
Yolanda Teresa Costa SEP 20, 1920 - JUN 21, 2018
Yolanda Teresa Costa, born at her family’s home on Leonard Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on September 20, 1920, died on June 21, 2018 following a short illness in Savannah, Georgia, where she lived for the last nine years. The devoted daughter of the late Antoinette Maria Massoliti and Michael Amato, Yolanda was a lifelong devoted Catholic, who attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church as a child, Sacred Heart in East Meadow, NY where she raised her family, and most recently Blessed Sacrament Church in Savannah. She was the youngest daughter and the last surviving child in a family of eleven ...
Maurice Calvin Peters JAN 02, 1924 - JUN 20, 2018
Maurice Calvin Peters, aged 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 20th 2018 at Hospice Savannah after a brief illness. He was born in Slagle, West Virginia o January 2nd, 1924 to Otha Alan and Mary Ellen Ingles Peters. Maurice grew up in Beckley, West Virginia. Maurice joined the US Navy in July of 1941. Being underage, his Mother gave permission for him to join. He finished his high school studies, and then went on to radio school. While there, the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor, and he was immediately shipped off with thousands of others to the Pacific. He remained in that vast ocean f ...
Jill Lepo-Wieniewitz - JUN 19, 2018
Born Jill Irene Lepo in North Tonawanda New York June 9th 1953. She married the love of her life Mark Wieniewitz October 18th 1980. Jill spent 30yrs in education and recently retired from the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. Over the years she received many credentials and awards. She was most proud of her work in Marine Science and the work she did to grow numerous programs in and around Chatham County. Jill served the Irish Catholic community for many years and lead the Flags of Ireland in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for 30 years. Jill will be remembered most for her passion ...
Alan Truslow - JUN 19, 2018
July 24, 1956 – June 19, 2018 On June 19, 2018 we said goodbye to a son, brother, father, grandfather, fiance and friend. Alan fought as everyone knew he would to survive what he was dealt and cancer would not let him win. As a son he loved his parents, as a brother he was all you could ever ask for, as a father he was a teacher, as a grandfather always someone to look up to, he was the type of friend that would give you the shirt off his back, of course, it would be an Under Armour shirt. Alan was engaged to the love of his life, Vicki. Even before the age of 12 he always worked at being ...
Duoc Van Le JUL 15, 1954 - JUN 19, 2018
Duoc Van Le July 15, 1954 - June 19, 2018 Duoc Van Le was born in Cam Ranh, Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Khanh Thach, his sons, Phong Le, Phu Le, and his daughters, An Le, and Lam Le; and countless relatives. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21 and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, June 22 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. Prayer services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday and 6:00 p.m. on Friday in the Islands Chapel. The Funeral Service will be at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June ...
LaVerne Joseph South, III MAR 31, 1952 - JUN 18, 2018
LaVerne Joseph South, III “Big Vernie”, 66, passed away Monday, June 18, 2018 at his home surrounded by his children, family and close friends. Vernie was born in Savannah, GA on March 31, 1952 to LaVerne and Gertrude South. He graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1970. Vernie was a member of ILA Local 1475 Clerks and Checkers for the past 40 years. There he had the pleasure of working with many of his best friends, brothers and sisters. He spent his early years on Tybee Island renting floats on the beach and surfing with his best friend and cousin Kurt. Some of Vernie’s happiest time ...
John Emerson Davis - JUN 18, 2018
John Emerson Davis, 75, passed on June 18, 2018 from a long-term illness. John was born in Savannah, Georgia on September 16, 1942 to Arthur Frederick Davis, Sr. and Mary Cecilia Dunn Davis. John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Marie Davis Ciucevich; brother-in-law David Julian Ciucevich, Sr.; brothers, William Francis Davis and Joseph Anthony Davis. John is survived by his daughter, Tabatha Lynn Davis Phillips, and son-in-law James William (Bill) Phillips; brother Arthur Frederick Davis, Jr. (Brenda); sister-in-law Carol Elaine Davis; several nieces, nephews, and cous ...
Bettina Boney Beecher FEB 20, 1940 - JUN 16, 2018
Bettina B. Beecher (Tina), age 78, died on June 16th, 2018 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA. She was the daughter of Harold A. and Madaline P. Boney, both deceased. Mrs. Beecher was also predeceased by a former husband, W. Orson Beecher, and a son, Charles Douglas Pearce. Bettina is survived by her husband Denver Combs; her son J. Scott Pearce (Sharon); grandson Jeffrey S. Pearce, Jr.; two brothers, Harold A. Boney, Jr. of Beaufort, SC and Barry D. Boney of Memphis, TN; stepson Tracy Combs (Cathy), step-granddaughter Morgan Combs of Guyton, GA and numerous other relatives. Mrs. Beecher was ...
Dorisa Aubria McKiver-David JAN 26, 2016 - JUN 16, 2018
Dorisa Aubria McKiver-David, 2, died Saturday at St. Simons Island, Georgia. Dorisa is survived by her mother, Nazzikkia David; her siblings, Aubie, Lawrisa, Jayden and Lisa David; and her godmother, LaShanna McKiver. https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/girl-2-drowns-after-swimming-in-tidal-pool-on-st-simons-island-with-her-mother/772261400 ...
Douglas Riley MAR 02, 1945 - JUN 16, 2018
Douglas Riley died on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the age 73. Coach Riley was born in Kenton, Ohio to Howard and Ruth Riley. He was a 1963 graduate of Ridgeway High School where he shined in basketball and baseball. He continued his education at Morehead State University (Kentucky) where he earned a B.A degree in history with a minor in health and physical education. In 1967, he embarked on his first teaching/coaching position at Botkins High School (Ohio). He taught history, was an assistant varsity basketball coach and head baseball coach. In 1968, Coach Riley moved on to New Lebanon High ...
Miriam R. Branan - JUN 16, 2018
Miriam Zula Rossman Branan Miriam R. Branan, born October 13, 1939, passed away June 16, 2018 in Savannah after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Eddie Branan, and her parents, Tom and Thelma Rossman. Miriam grew up in Moultrie, GA where she graduated high school. Later, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Georgia, and her Master’s degree in Education from Georgia Southwestern. She taught at both the Mitchell County and Chatham County School Systems during an 18 year period. Miriam’s personal passions included c ...
Samuel Agar Everitt - JUN 15, 2018
Samuel Agar Everitt, 78, died, June 15th, 2018. He was born on September 20th, 1939 in Boston, MA to Raymond and Helen Everitt. He attended the George School in Newtown, PA and graduated from Colgate University in 1961. He served in the NJ National Guard following his graduation. The majority of Sam’s professional career was spent at ITT Rayonier, Inc where he worked as Vice President and Treasurer. He then applied his skills in the not-for-profit sector, becoming the Assistant Business Manager at the Kent School in Kent, CT in 1990, a role he served until his retirement in 1999. Sam marrie ...
Mrs. Linda Hendricks Terry - JUN 15, 2018
Linda Hendricks Terry, 65, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, June 15, 2018 at her home in Pooler, Georgia. She was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on December 17, 1952 to Jack and Margaret Hendricks. Both of her parents worked for the FBI; her father an agent and her mother in clerical work. She lived in Atlanta, Georgia from 1962 until 2009 when she moved to Pooler, Georgia to be near her children and grandchildren. After graduating Medical College of Georgia, she became a Dental Hygienist and practiced for over 30 years. She was an active member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone ...
Cecelia Wilhelm - JUN 14, 2018
Cecelia Katherine Gruhler Wilhelm, 97, died June 14, 2018 at Hospice Savannah. She was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Albert and Katherine Collins Gruhler. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander C. Wilhelm. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00, Saturday, June 30, 2018 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3 Westridge Road, Skidway Island, Savannah, GA 31411. Burial will be in the church memorial garden. ...
Harold C. Heaslip - JUN 14, 2018
Harold C. Heaslip passed away peacefully in his home June 14, 2018, in Savannah, GA with his wife Mary Ann by his side. Hal was born in Yonkers, NY to Clifford L. and Frances Eder Heaslip. He went to Roosevelt High School and later to Colgate University in Hamilton, NY where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served as Vice President at Ketchum, Macleod and Grove Advertising in NY, NY. Hal later in life moved on to Director of Promotion and Advertising at Grumman Corporation in Bethpage, NY. Hal and Mary Ann retired to Savannah in 1999. Other than his wife, Mary Ann; his children ...
Leland "Lee" C. Gooding Sr. NOV 16, 1927 - JUN 14, 2018
Leland Cogdill Gooding, Sr., 90, of Savannah died Thursday, June 14, 2018, at his home under the care of Hospice Savannah. Lee was born November 16, 1927 in Miley, S.C, the youngest child of the late Hemmie and Lillie Thomas Gooding. After graduating from Brunson High School, he served in the U.S. Navy before beginning a 43-year career with the railroad. He started work on the Central Georgia Railroad in 1944, as a messenger boy and then retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad as the Terminal Superintendent in Augusta, Georgia. Living most of his life in Savannah, his railroad career took hi ...
Franklin Eugene Polk SEP 09, 1943 - JUN 13, 2018
Franklin E. Polk, 74, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family. The Savannah native was a lifelong resident of Midway and a Retired U.S. Navy Veteran. After more than 30 years of service, Frank retired as a sergeant from the Chatham County Police Department where he was a certified bomb technician. Surviving are his wife, Wanda Polk; his children, Mandy & Michael Ondriezek, Laura & Jeff Calloway, and Eason & Angie Polk; and seven grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Fo ...
Judith Kay Fischer JUL 13, 1939 - JUN 12, 2018
Judith Kay Fischer, 78, of Tybee Island, Georgia, died early Tuesday morning, June 12, in her home surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Clintonville, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of the late Carroll Cronce and the late Bessie Cronce. Ms. Fischer was a scholar, a teacher, a nurse, a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She was raised partly in Tacoma, Washington, and partly in Waukegan, Illinois. With her former husband, George Fischer, she raised four children in California while attending college and receiving highest honors when earning three separate degrees – a R ...
John Edward Best, Sr. AUG 27, 1932 - JUN 11, 2018
John Edward Best, Sr., 85, died June 11, 2018. He was the son of Lois Griggs and Charles Leander Best. He was born August 27, 1932 in Savannah, he attended Benedictine Military Academy and Armstrong College. He served proudly in the Marine Corps and worked at Union Camp, co-owned a carpet business, and excelled in sales at Chatham Pipe and Chatham Steel Corporation, then for MacAljon Fabrications. He marched for decades in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a member of both the Irish Heritage Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He belonged to Savannah Golf Club and was a Knight of Columbus ...
Victoria Boykin Buck NOV 03, 1953 - JUN 09, 2018
Victoria Boykin Buck, 64, of Savannah, died June 9, 2018 at Hospice Savannah, after a year long battle with cancer. Gone too soon and a fighter until the end. Vicky was such a vivacious, incredible, intelligent and genuine person. Her charm and personality are the reason she had so many friends and if you knew Vicky you loved Vicky. Vicky grew up in Mountain Lakes (ML), NJ, and attended ML schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Vicky participated in intramural sports, the drama programs, and in high school she was part of the Girls Athletic Association annual show as a member of Blue Te ...