Obituaries
Ruth Rankin Owen - MAY 01, 2018
Ruth Rankin Owen, 90, died May 1, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. The native and longtime resident of Savannah was a graduate of Pape School and the University of Georgia. Ruth was an active member of the Junior League, a member of the Colonial Dames and passionately served in various Christian groups. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wesley Espy and Tom Owen. She is survived by her sister, Cornelia Rankin Groves, a daughter, Elizabeth Espy Roubos (Ross Roubos) of Jacksonville, FL and a son, Wes Espy of California. A private graveside service was held Thursday, May 3, 2018 in Laurel ...
Catherine Skeadas Cook - APR 30, 2018
Catherine Skeadas Cook, age 88, died April 30, 2018 at her home. She was born August 12, 1929, in Savannah Georgia, and lived there all of her life. She attended Savannah High School and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Home Economics Education. Her teaching career spanned 18 years and included Durrence School, Hancock Day School, Juliette Gordon Low Elementary, and Savannah High School. She was a member of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, where she served as President of the Philoptochos Society. Known as “Kitty”, she lived life to the fullest, and her vivacious per ...
Helen Lois Lowe - APR 29, 2018
Helen Lois Lowe, 87, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Born in Nevils, GA, she lived most of her life in Savannah. She was owner/operator of Harlow Hairdressers for many years, as well as owner of Seventh Heaven Antique Mall until she retired at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her son, Ernest Fritz Lowe, Jr. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Freddy Hanton, son, Jerry Lowe and special friend, Jan Champion, sister Cecilia Eaton-Newman, brother, Jack (Jackie) DeLoach, grandson and wife, Jeremy and Danielle Hanton, two great-grandchildren, ...
Thomas Leahy Schendorf - APR 28, 2018
Thomas Leahy Schendorf, 79, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Evanston, Ill. son of Howard and Vera Leahy Schendorf. Tom was a 1961 graduate of Northwestern University and attended the University of Chicago Business School. He married Janet Heise in 1975 and they lived in Lake Bluff, Ill and Weston, Mass. before retiring in Savannah, Ga. Tom spent his career in marketing and sales for technology companies such as IBM, Control Data and Data Architects/Logica. He spent the latter part of his career selling software to the largest banks in the world often spe ...
Christopher Merritt Hinely - APR 28, 2018
Christopher Merritt Hinely, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Savannah. He was born in Savannah, son of the late Jesse Lee and Marcella Merritt Hinely. Chris was a graduate of Jenkins High School and attended Savannah State College and Armstrong State College. He was the proud owner/operator of his own trucking company and attended the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Surviving are his brother, Philip L. (Susan) Hinely of Gastonia, NC; sister, Marie Hinely Sabiston of Savannah; longtime companion, Lila Casey of Savannah; goddaughter, Sarah Sab ...
Frances "Lucy" Marshall - APR 27, 2018
A truly generous Spirit has left us. Frances Biggs Marshall (Lucy), a Savannah, GA native, passed suddenly but peacefully in her sleep at home on April 27, 2018. Lucy cherished her family and friends, and her children were her pride and joy. Her natural curiosity and love of people enabled her to never meet a stranger. She adored animals, and treated all living creatures with love and kindness. Lucy was a curator of beauty and created splendor in her home, her garden, and her meals. She had a passion for interior design and fashion and a gift to make everything around her more beautiful a ...
Clifton Monroe Wilson, Jr. - APR 27, 2018
Clifton Monroe Wilson, Jr. died peacefully under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice on April 27, 2018 at the age of 92. Clif was born on March 25, 1926 in Aberdeen, North Carolina. He was the first of two sons born to Clifton Monroe and Margaret Sessoms Wilson. He graduated from Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, North Carolina and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clif married Ruth Greer of Aberdeen, NC at Page Memorial United Methodist Church in 1951. They moved to Savannah in 1956, where they raised three children. He was a lifelon ...
Mabel Frances Nichols APR 28, 1921 - APR 27, 2018
Frances H. Nichols, 96, died Friday, April 27, 2018. She was born April 28, 1921 in Florence, Alabama and was the daughter of the late Robert H. Holt and Ethel Spain Holt. She was the wife of the late Rama L. Nichols and was a member of the Church of Christ. She was retired from the U.S. Treasury Department an IRS Auditor. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roy Holt, and her sisters, Ruth Kroger and Sue Holt. Surviving are her son, David Nichols, and daughter-in-law, Sharon Nichols of Savannah, GA., granddaughter, Pamela Mitchell of Montgomery, AL, and grandson, Jonathon Nichols of O ...
Margian "Margie" Ellington - APR 27, 2018
Margian Dixon “Margie” Ellington, passed away at the age of 83, Friday, April 27, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born in Aline, GA to Alva Lee and Nancy Grace Dixon. She spent most of her life in Savannah and was deeply loved by her family and friends. She and her husband, James T. Ellington, were married in 1962. In the early years of their marriage, she worked for Dr. Harold Black, D.D.S. as a Dental Assistant. In 1972, she and her husband opened Dutchtown Children’s Center. Margie devoted many years to helping and loving the children who were left in her care. Ma ...
H. Andrew "Andy" Ernst, Jr. - APR 25, 2018
Andy Ernst, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home on April 25, 2018. Andy, a native Savannahian, was born to his parents, H. Andrew Ernst, Sr. (Mike) and Helen Thiot Ernst, on April 28, 1923. He was a direct descendent of the German Salzburgers who settled at Ebenezer in 1734 shortly after General Oglethorpe arrived in Savannah. After attending Waters Avenue School (later Romana Riley Elementary) he graduated from Savannah High School and Armstrong College. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army Infantry and in the Air Force in the Austrian and German arenas. On his return f ...
Ida Chapman Welch - APR 24, 2018
Ida C. Welch Ida Chapman Welch, 85, died Tuesday, April 24, 2018. She was born July 24, 1932 in Brunswick, GA and was a homemaker, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Welch, and her daughter, Mary Gale Huggins. Surviving are her daughters, Marie Dale LoDuca (Richard), Margaret Elizabeth Clark, and Tina Louise Jaquess, her step-sons, Bill Williamson (Mary) and Paul Williamson, five grandchildren, Christina Crosby Jones, Terri Michelle Turner, Tonya Marie Scott, Kelly Ann LoDuca, and Christopher David LoDuca, as well as numerous great-gr ...
Glynn Lester "Les" Hendricks SEP 09, 1970 - APR 20, 2018
Glynn “Les” Lester Hendricks, 47, passed away April 20, 2018. A native of Savannah, Les graduated H.V. Jenkins in 1988. After high school he went on to attend West Georgia College for a couple of years before graduating from ABAC in Tifton, GA. After Les finished his schooling he became a Mason and was a member of Brethren of Clinton Lodge #54. He was the former owner/partner of the Wild Wing Cafe in Athens, GA before returning to Savannah to take over Hendricks Interiors Inc. contractors. Les was an avid supporter and fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Les was preceded in death by his father Glynn ...
Mary Davison Mills - APR 19, 2018
Mary Davison Mills, 87, passed away in her sleep Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Savannah Square Health Center, under their loving care and that of Hospice Savannah. Mary was born in Yonkers, NY, but grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She attended Fort Lauderdale High School, and later the Universities of Miami and Florida, majoring in English. Coming from immigrant parents, she paid her way through college by modeling and entering beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss Ibis at UM and is in the Miami Hall of Fame as the 1951 Orange Bowl Queen. Always humble, she never showed her family her portfoli ...
Ann Castiglione SEP 02, 1922 - APR 19, 2018
SAVANNAH – ANN CASTIGLIONE, 95, received her angel wings on April 19, 2018. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Hoboken, NJ on September 2, 1922 and moved “across the river” to Queens, NY when she married the love of her life, Carl Castiglione, on February 1, 1948. After working side-by-side with Carl, they retired to Long Island where they enjoyed the many activities and friends that their new community offered. Ann was a devout Catholic who spent time with the Lord every morning. She enjoyed serving and volunteered for the Long Island Blood Bank for 25 ...
Joseph Dunning Farr - APR 19, 2018
JOSEPH DUNNING FARR WORLD WAR II VETERAN He was born in October of 1922 in the Farr home at 1133 Washington Avenue, Savannah, Georgia. He attended Charles Ellis Elementary School, and graduated from Savannah High School in 1942. After completing courses as a ship fitter, he was employed at Southeastern Ship Building Company on East President Street until he entered the Army Air Corp in January 1943. While in the service, he completed several Army Air Corp schools and was qualified as an aerial gunnery instructor stationed at Laredo Army Air Field, Texas. In May of 1944 he was ordered oversea ...
Peggy Taylor Palles - APR 18, 2018
Peggy Taylor Palles passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. The daughter of Redden and Lola Taylor, she was born in Timmonsville, SC on June 22, 1927. She graduated from Timmonsville High School and Winthrop College. Peggy was a sustaining member of the Florence Jr. Welfare League and a contributor to the Florence Symphony League. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, cooking, walking, and playing duplicate bridge. Singing in the choir at Central United Methodist Church and in the Masterworks Choir were her two most enjoyable activities. She was a wonderful and caring wife, moth ...
Saundra Kay Burke Leon FEB 23, 1942 - APR 17, 2018
TOWNSEND _Saundra Kay Burke Leon passed away on April 17, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born in Gastonia, NC on February 23, 1942 to the late Jesse Burke and Louise Dow. A private family Celebration of Life was held in her honor, as one of her final wishes. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Jean Burke Fox, her children, Barbara Leon Dornbusch (Jerrett), George John Leon IV, Jessica Leon Brack (Michael), and Christopher “Trey” Leon (Leah), 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her son, George, served selflessly as her primary caregiver, a selflessness he inherited from her. S ...
Ethelyne "Lyn" McGhie - APR 16, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Ethelyne (Lyn) McGhie announces her passing after a battle with cancer, on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the age of 74 years. Lyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Patrick and her children, Leesa Cooper (Scott), Joseph Ayres (Audra), Scott McGhie (Morgan), and her step-daughter, Sharon Kwolek (Richard). Lyn will also be fondly remembered by her twelve grandchildren, by her four great-grandchildren, by her siblings, James Polk (Dianne), Sharon Massey (Denny), and Ralph Polk, and by her sisters-in-law, Linda Manning and April McGhie. ...
Kathleen Ann Conboy Filson MAR 26, 1931 - APR 16, 2018
Kathleen Ann Conboy Filson died on April 16, 2018. “Kate” was born March 26, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA. where she grew up and later married “Ed” Filson. They moved their growing family to Isle of Hope, becoming integral members of St. James Parish. Kate celebrated her life through Christ in service to her family, her community, and to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah. In 2002, she received the Benjamin F. Griffith Volunteer Appreciation Award for her extraordinary service to children and their families as a Victim Witness Advocate for the District Attorney’s office (1984 - 2002). She was also rec ...
Nicholas F. Altomare - APR 14, 2018
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After a long and courageous fight, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas F. Altomare, USA (Ret), 63, beloved son, husband, father and brother, succumbed to cancer surrounded by his family and friends on 14 April 2018 in Savannah, Georgia. Born 23 April 1954 in Bronx, New York, he is the oldest son of Marilyn (deceased) and Nicholas Altomare. Known for his athletic prowess and quick wit, he graduated from John Jay High School in East Fishkill, New York in 1972, and was accepted into the United States Military Academy, West Point. Upon graduation in 1977, Nick served proudly around the world in United Sta ...
Ronell Collins Redditt JUN 17, 1938 - APR 13, 2018
GEORGETOWN, SC_ Ronell Collins Redditt died Friday, April 13, 2018, at her daughter’s home in Georgetown surrounded by her loving family. The Cobbtown native was born June 17, 1938. Ronell had a passion for fishing, She and her husband retired to Shellman’s Bluff, GA before moving to Georgetown in December, 2017. She was a cosmetologist for many years before becoming a Physicians Assistant. Ronell was predeceased by her parents, William Penn and Venice Cowart Collins; and her brother, William Penn Collins, Jr. Surviving are her husband, William J. “Bill” Redditt; her daughter and son-in-law, L ...
Joan Lynn Swanson - APR 13, 2018
Joan Lynn Swanson, aged 83, passed away on April 13, 2018 in her beloved cottage at The Marshes in Savannah, Georgia. Born and raised in New York, Joan met her husband, Al, on a blind date at age 19. Three months later, in April 1954 they secretly eloped, getting married at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York. They spent the next 58 years together until Al’s passing in December 2012. Joan and Al raised their five children in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Joan was very active in the Ridgefield community for over twenty years. She was a member of the Caudatowa Garden Club and served a ...
Margaret Kitchens Brantley FEB 24, 1923 - APR 13, 2018
SAVANNAH_Margaret Kitchens Brantley, 95, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018. Margaret was born on February 24, 1923 to the late Charlie and Velma Kitchens in Johnson County, GA and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Adrian High School, she moved to Savannah during WWII and worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. She married JC Brantley in 1946 and devoted her life to her family. She was an excellent cook and was known for her fried chicken and caramel cake. Margaret was an active member of Morningside Baptist Church for 50 years where she served in the Sunday school ...
J. Fred Pierce - APR 13, 2018
J. Fred Pierce, retired Executive Vice President of WJCL, 85, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Sylvania, Georgia, son of John Hubert and Evelyn Pierce. The 1950 graduate of Savannah High School and 1954 graduate of Georgia Southern College lived most of his life in Savannah. In the early 60’s, he began his career with WTOC Television in advertising. Mr. Pierce, along with Russ Fredrich, opened one of the first FM radio stations in Savannah, 97.3 WXLM, in 1968. Mr. Pierce continued his career in the early 70’s with Lewis Broadcasting where he operat ...
Robert Sellers Harris - APR 10, 2018
Robert S. Harris March 31, 1938 - April 10, 2018 Robert Harris, 80, passed away at home surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Springfield, Ohio to William and Mary Harris. Bob leaves behind his beloved family: wife Lori, daughter Kim and her husband Jimmy, son Michael and his wife Brenda, grandchildren, Devin, Caitlin, Zach, Rebecca, and Ethan, and dogs Marty and Thunder. Bob retired in 2000 from Stant Manufacturing as vice president of engineering. He was a dreamer, inventor and was granted seventy-nine patents throughout his career. He was also a very active member of Skidaway Island Pre ...
Ella Ruth Davis Dunn JAN 11, 1911 - APR 09, 2018
Savannah_ Ella Ruth (Davis) Dunn, 107, died April 9, 2018 at home under her loving family’s care. Ella Ruth was born on January 19, 1911 in Effingham County. She lived the majority of her life in Savannah before moving to Roswell to be with her family. Ella Ruth had a High School education and obtained a teacher’s certificate following the death of her husband, John Joseph “Jack” Dunn. She taught pre-school for a number of years before retiring. Ella Ruth was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Savannah. Surviving are her son, Jimmy Dunn of Savannah; a grandson, Jason Dunn of Athens ...
Enrique Juliano Lacanilao JUL 15, 1932 - APR 08, 2018
Enrique Juliano Lacanilao, 85, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at his residence. Lacanilao was born in Manila, Philippines on July 15, 1932 to the late Antonio and Elisea Lacanilao. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dading, his brother Bernardo, and his granddaughter Joyce. He retired as a Col. Judge Advocate for the Philippine Military and was an Agent for the NBI- National Bureau of Investigation. After completing his full career in the Philippines, Lacanilao moved to the states in 1987, where he served 22 years as a registrar for St. Joseph’s Hospital before fully retiring at the age of ...
Dr. George L. Negron - APR 07, 2018
Dr. George L. Negron, 81, entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Hospice Savannah. He was born on December 4, 1936 in New York City to Mr. Antonio and Mrs. Carmen Negron. He was a graduate of Xavier High School and completed his undergraduate studies at Saint Peter’s College, both in New Jersey. He continued his medical coursework and residency in Psychiatry at the University of Puerto Rico in 1962. Upon his graduation, he entered into the United States Navy serving as the Chief Medical Officer for various nuclear submarines. With distinguished service, he retired with the rank o ...
Louis Murray "Murf" Smith - APR 06, 2018
Louis Murray “Murf” Smith, 64, passed away, April 6, 2018 at his home surrounded by his wife and children, after a long illness. A native and lifelong resident of Savannah, GA. Murray was born October 6, 1953 to the late Mary and Edward Smith. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Edward (Coby) and Randy Smith. He was a 1972 graduate of Savannah High School. After high school, he went to Fork Union Military School in Virginia, Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, excelling in baseball, football and running track while at these schools. He came home to Savannah and continued ...