Obituaries
John Edward Thomas MAY 03, 1955 - JUN 06, 2017
John Edward Thomas, 62, died peacefully, Tuesday, June 6, at home surrounded by his loving wife and children. JT was born in Savannah, Ga. and raised on Wilmington Island. He graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School in 1974. He worked in the food and beverage industry for many years and owned Half Moon Lawn Care and JThomas Catering. And was a seniority card holder of ILA 1475 at Georgia Ports Authority. JT's love for life was evident in many ways. On any given night he could be found throwing horseshoes at the American Legion on Tybee or with 'the guys' on Whitemarsh Island. He loved meeti ...
Ervin Henry Hietbrink NOV 22, 1935 - JUN 06, 2017
Ervin Henry Hietbrink, 81, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Hospice of Savannah. Born on the family farm in Nebraska, Erv called many places home before moving to Savannah with his wife Janet in 1993 from Wilton, Connecticut. He was active in the Savannah community – as a tutor at Hesse Elementary School, as a Kiwanis leader, as a choral member of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and his home church choir, and as a volunteer mediator. He loved to play golf and root for his beloved Cornhuskers. Friendly and upbeat by disposition, Erv never met a stranger. Many will remember him for his ready ...
John Victor Gilker II MAY 30, 2017 - JUN 04, 2017
John Victor Gilker II joined the angels in heaven on Sunday, June 4 at 9:34 am. Our little man entered the world on May 30 at a tiny 1 pound and 3 ounces along with his four surviving siblings at Memorial University Medical Center. The doctors didn't believe he would make it through the first hour of his life. He was named in honor of his Great-Uncle John Victor, who was lost at 18 in the Vietnam War, and who was a fighter. And John Victor fought. John Victor spent five days with his parents, siblings and extended family we are thankful for every single moment he spent with us. His last mome ...
Carl Hugh Suttle OCT 10, 1917 - JUN 04, 2017
Savannah – Carl Hugh Suttle, died June 4 under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice, Savannah. He was born October 10, 1917 in Asheville, North Carolina. At Biltmore High School he was called the “spark plug” of the football team which later earned him a football scholarship at Hobart College, Geneva, New York. He was a crucifer at Old Soul’s Episcopal Church in Biltmore, NC. He co-owned and enjoyed piloting his own airplane in the early 1940s, and was an Air Traffic Controller from 1942 to 1981. He was an excellent golfer who played all his life, among his favorite rounds were: Augusta National ...
Charles A. Williams SEP 04, 1928 - JUN 04, 2017
Charles A. Williams of Savannah, Georgia passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on June 4, 2017, at the age of 88. He was born in Schenectady, New York on September 4, 1928. Charles proudly served his country in the Army Signal Corps, and helped to build the DEW Line, a key component in America’s Cold War defense strategy. The DEW Line was a series of radar stations in the high arctic designed to detect Soviet bombers. Charles worked at ATT for 32 years, working his way up to be Director of Engineering for several buildings in New York City. After retiring from ATT, he went ...
James Stephen Walker MAR 08, 1943 - JUN 02, 2017
James Stephen (Steve) Walker, born 1943, died 2017 Steve Walker was born in Topeka, Kansas on March 8, 1943 to James Allen (J.A.) and Marjorie Kathleen Stephens Walker. He grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma with his parents and two older sisters, Jane Allen and Kathleen. As a child Steve enjoyed searching for mischief with long-time friend Wendell Smith and rebuilding Ford Model-Ts from scratch with his dad. He played the trombone, was a member of the student council and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1961. In Steve’s yearbook, one of his friends wrote, “Good luck to a real fine mechani ...
Victoria Howard MAY 11, 1969 - JUN 02, 2017
Victoria Howard, 48, died Friday, June 2, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a brief illness. Tori was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 11, 1969. She lived in Richmond Hill during 1981-82 and returned to Savannah 5 years ago following over 20 years as a military spouse, traveling the world. She was the loving mother to 5 beautiful girls, Mary Kate, Lauren, Morgan, Mia and Stephanie. She leaves behind grandson Reed, two sisters, Amy & Ann, brother-in-law Steve, son-in-law Joe and was predeceased by her mother and father. A memorial service will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Director ...
Kathryn Schaaf Eddleston - JUN 01, 2017
Kathie, age 67, passed away peacefully at her home in Homosassa, Florida on June 1st after a long illness. She was born in Savannah, attended local schools, and graduated from Savannah Christian School in 1968. She also resided in Augusta, Georgia, Hammonton, New Jersey, Marathon, Florida, and Owego, New York. She was a talented amateur actress, doing many local productions. She earned the status of certified Master scuba instructor, and worked in the exotic tropical fish trade in the Florida Keys. She was a past Exalted Ruler of The Elks Club in the City of Owego, and was a frequent volunteer ...
John William McCloskey SEP 19, 1925 - JUN 01, 2017
Our beloved Jack passed away in Savannah, Georgia on the afternoon of June 1, in the loving arms of his wife Leslie. Jack was born in Mahanoy City, Pa., a coal-mining town, on Sept. 19, 1925. His mother, the former Beulah Spade, was a homemaker; his father, Eddie, was a miner. Jack lettered in baseball, football and basketball in high school, then played football at the University of Pittsburgh before serving in the Navy at Okinawa during World War II. After the war, he finished his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to play three varsity sports. After graduating h ...
Elizabeth M. Johnson - JUN 01, 2017
Elizabeth Mountcastle Johnson, 83, died Friday, June 2, 2017 at Hospice House following an extended illness. The native and lifelong resident of Savannah was a longtime resident of Isle of Hope where she enjoyed swimming, fishing, shrimping, and all the activities associated with being fortunate enough to live in such a wonderful place. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas M. and Kathryn T. Johnson, her brothers, Thomas M. Johnson, Jr., Robert B. Johnson, and sister, Kathryn T. Waller. Surviving are her brother, David T. Johnson (Peggy) of Savannah, a sister-in-law, Benita P. Johns ...
Wayne C. Spear JUN 26, 1939 - JUN 01, 2017
Wayne Spear, 77, died on June 1 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Eastman, GA on June 26,1939 and lived in Savannah most of his life. Wayne was a local Entrepreneur; owing Records Unlimited, and a bakery as well as managing properties. An animal lover, Wayne was a founding member of the Friends of the Animals. He served as a ward captain of Columbia Square and was a major supporter of Historic Savannah Foundation and SCAD. Surviving are his husband, Murray Perlman; one brother, Ray Spear, numerous nieces and nephews; and cousins, Ginger and Jerry Caplan. For service inf ...
Albert Bullman Lufburrow JUN 14, 1924 - MAY 31, 2017
Albert Bullman Lufburrow, 92, passed away on May 31, 2017 at home under the care of Hospice. He was born on June 14, 1924, the son of Florence Duer and Thomas W. Lufburrow and the husband for 69 years of Bette Sulter Lufburrow. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served in the boys’ choir, President of the Men’s Club and served as both Jr. and Sr. Warden. Albert attended local schools and the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served in WW II and the Korean War, then joined his father’s firm Lufburrow Realty Co. He was a Realtor, Bu ...
Roselyn Olivia Busbee MAR 20, 2017 - MAY 30, 2017
Roselyn Olivia Busbee, infant daughter of Jeremy Daniel and Sarah Elizabeth Busbee, passed away in her sleep on March 30th, 2017 due to SIDS. She was two months old. Besides her parents, Roselyn is survived by her maternal grandparents, Tammy M. Proman and Herman E. Lednum, and her paternal grandparents, Daniel W. Busbee and Marla S. Henson.She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as great-grandparents from both sides of the family. Visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors in Savannah on Friday, June 9th, from 5:00 to 7:00PM, and will be open to frie ...
Guy F. Giella - MAY 30, 2017
Savannah – Guy Giella, (77), passed away unexpectedly May 30, 2017, at Memorial Hospital. He was born October 6, 1939, in Mount Vernon, New York, and retired from the Army in Savannah, Georgia, in 1976 after 20 years of active service which included tours overseas in Germany, Korea and two tours in Vietnam. His duties included paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, drill sergeant and attended flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama, to become a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He then went on to become a Rotary Wing Examiner and Supply Officer, with the 120th Aviation Company, 222nd Aviation Battalion, ...
Ken Cooper OCT 12, 1936 - MAY 30, 2017
E. C. “Ken” Cooper, Jr. 80, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at his residence. He was born October 12, 1936 in Enigma, Georgia to E.C. Cooper and Mary Helen Canady Cooper. Ken graduated from Tifton High School with a football scholarship to the University of Georgia where he played from 1954-1957. He was an assistant coach from 1963-1970. He was a part of two SEC championship teams under head coach Vince Dooley. Ken left UGA to become an assistant coach at Ole Miss, 1971-1973 and was named head coach in 1974. In 1975, he was named SEC coach of the year. After Ken’s college coaching career, he ...
Alfred R. Lang NOV 13, 1934 - MAY 30, 2017
Alfred Ray Lang, 82, passed away Tuesday, May 30th. He was born in Brunswick, GA on November 13, 1934 to Willie Chancy and Eva Lang. Growing up in Bonna Bella and residing in Savannah his entire life. He proudly served in the US Navy after graduating from Savannah High for 4 years. He then served in the Reserves, later transferring to the Air National Guards and retiring after 34 years. His passion was upholstery and did it professionally in his personal shop, Savannah Auto Top and for the government via Civil Service. He finished his civil service and retired as a heavy equipment mechanic. He ...
John F. "Jack" Sweers NOV 01, 1925 - MAY 29, 2017
John F. “Jack” Sweers, age 91, went home to our Lord on May 29, 2017. He was born in Chicago, IL and moved to Savannah in 1987. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was very active as an Alumnus, starting an Advisory Board, serving as Chairman for 4 terms and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award. He started his career as a time study engineer and progressed to Chief Industrial Engineer, then to Plant Manager and Vice President of Distribution in the printing business before moving to the Gap Stores and retiring as Corporate Vice President. He was very ...
Michael M. Sancomb, Sr. - MAY 29, 2017
Michael Moore Sancomb, Sr, 80, died Monday, May 29, 2017. He was born May 26, 1937 in Washington, DC. Michael was the owner of Tidewater Boatworks in Thunderbolt, and a member of the Forest City Gun Club. He was an avid Nascar fan, hunter, and fisherman. He loved his family and friends and always put them first. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Morgan and Beebe Sutton. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Rotureau Sancomb, of Savannah, two daughters, Daina Sheffield (Christopher) of Savannah, Sharon Ballinger (Joe) of Helen, GA, and one son, Michael M. Sancomb, Jr. ...
Debra Harrington Beusse - MAY 28, 2017
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Debra Harrington Beusse passed away May 28th after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a beloved mother, an enthusiastic grandmother and a faithful friend to so many. Deb loved eating crab legs and anything to do with the beach. She enjoyed arts and crafts but most of all scrapbooking the adventures of herself and her daughter. She was well known for her bright smile, her warmth for others, and her loyal support of the Carolina Tarheels. She was joyful about having lived life, and grateful for her family and friends. She was not afraid of dying and was overwhelmed by the love and kindnes ...
Gregg Allman - MAY 27, 2017
Gregg Allman, the singer-songwriter and musician who was a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, died Saturday, May 27, 2017. He had recently been in poor health. He was 69. Known for his distinctively bluesy voice, Allman led the band alongside his brother, Duane Allman, in its early days. When Duane died tragically at 24, Gregg carried on, incorporating his brother’s legacy into the band’s sound as they soared to new heights of popularity. In later years, Allman pursued a solo career, one that dovetailed with continued reunions and reformations of the Allman Brothers Band. As one of t ...
Doris White Burkett MAY 28, 1934 - MAY 27, 2017
Doris Lillian White Burkett (1934-2017) Doris Lillian White Burkett, 82, of Savannah, GA, passed away on May 27, 2017. Under hospice care at Savannah Square Senior Living Community, she was patiently waiting for her next birthday. As fate would have it, she was just 8 hours short of her 83rd birthday. Doris was born in Gilkey, NC and was preceded in death by her father, William Roland White, and her mother, Dovie Louisa Koone White. She was one of 13 children born to Roland and Dovie. Doris was a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a degree in nursing, and was an RN. In her ...
Paul Wain Painter, Jr. AUG 10, 1945 - MAY 27, 2017
Savannah attorney Paul W. Painter, Jr. died on Saturday, May 27, 2017. He was born in Cleveland, Tennessee on August 10, 1945, while his father was on active duty in World War II. He grew up and attended public schools in Rossville, Walker County, Georgia, graduating from Rossville High School in 1963. He was the quarterback and co-captain of the school’s undefeated state championship football team, named to the Associated Press All-State football team, selected to play in the Georgia High School All-Star game at Grant Field, and given a scholarship by Coach Bobby Dodd to play football at Geor ...
Danielle Lois Flanagan NOV 26, 1978 - MAY 26, 2017
Danielle Lois Flanagan, 38, died Friday, May 26, 2017 at High Falls State Park while vacationing with her husband and daughter. Danielle was born in Savannah and grew up in Midway. She later moved to Savannah. She attended high school in Liberty County. She proudly attended and graduated from Armstrong University with a degree in nursing. She worked for many years in psychiatric nursing which she loved. She later became interested in infection control and was studying to become certified. Danielle was an avid runner, having completed her first marathon in 2011. Danielle was involved in nu ...
Jeanette McGinn MAY 08, 1942 - MAY 26, 2017
Jeanette McGinn, 75, died Friday, May 26, 2017, at Hospice House. She was an author, a Sunday School teacher, and a dedicated Army wife. Jeanette loved God, her family, and people. She prayed daily for her family and friends. She lead others to salvation in Jesus Christ and lived selflessly to enrich the lives of everyone she met. She was well-loved by her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed. Survived by her beloved husband and high-school sweetheart, Robert McGinn Sr.; brothers, Robert Harrison and his wife Joyce, Richard Harrison and his wife Bev; four children, Terri Collins, ...
Monica Hunt Golbey AUG 20, 1946 - MAY 24, 2017
SAVANNAH – Monica Hunt Golbey, 70, died suddenly at home on May 24, 2017. The much-loved wife of the late Robert Golbey, M.D., Monica was born in Coventry, England, and moved to the USA in her 20s to pursue a career as an administrator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York where she met Bob Golbey. On his retirement they moved to Savannah where she embarked on an academic career, gaining an MA in American history at Armstrong State University, later joining the faculty there. In retirement she was a sought-after speaker at The Learning Center at the Senior Center, Inc. and the ...
Betty McCorkel Bates APR 26, 1935 - MAY 24, 2017
Savannah - Betty McCorkel Bates, 82, passed away on Wednesday May 24 at Candler Hospital surrounded by her children and granddaughter. She was born on April 26, 1935 in Statesboro, Georgia, and lived her entire life in Savannah. Betty devoted her life to raising her children and her work. After 24 years of dedicated service at Candler Hospital, she retired in 2014. There, she was known to her coworkers as a leader, teacher, counselor, friend, mother, listener, hero, life coach, and role model. She is survived by her son, Rob Bates of Moorseville, N.C; her daughter Pam Bates of Savannah Georgia ...
Donna Lynn Grigg JUL 07, 1963 - MAY 21, 2017
Donna Lynn Grigg of Savannah, Georgia passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at the age of 53. Donna was born in Eureka Springs, Arkansas on July 7, 1963 to Jack Philip and Eleanor Louise (McLain) Rohde. She is survived by her daughters Clarissa Dae and husband Robert (Bones) Flores of Berryville, Arkansas and Danielle Nicole Grigg of Bella Vista, Arkansas; two grandchildren Lukkas McLain and Lakkyn Malynn Flores of Berryville, Arkansas; as well as her siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Donna enjoyed home remodel projects, ...
Dianne Joan Whittington AUG 19, 1948 - MAY 19, 2017
Born in Savannah on August 19, 1948, Dianne Joan Whittington passed away May 19, 2017, in Chattanooga, TN, her home for the past 38 years. Daughter of the late James Eugene Whittington and the late Lillian Elizabeth Drewry Whittington, Ms. Whittington is survived by 3 sisters: Jean Frentz Rice (Paul), Gail Whittington Rose, and Angela Whittington Wilkerson (Tom); 3 nieces: Mary Elizabeth Frentz, Laura Rose Murillo, and Amanda Wilkerson Lawrence (Tom); 5 nephews: Steven Rose, David Rose, Derrick Rose(Jennifer), James Frentz, and Christopher Wilkerson (Anne); numerous great nieces and nephews; ...
Daniel Chaing-Chen Wu DEC 08, 1954 - MAY 19, 2017
Daniel Chaing-Chen Wu, 62, of Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully at home on May 19 after fighting a long battle with cancer. A private service will be held graveside for the family. Daniel was born in Savannah to John Bing-Jun Wu and Lancy T.C. Sheng Wu on December 8, 1954. He was a graduate of Sol C. Johnson High School and attended Armstrong State College. He worked in the family business as an operator and cook extraordinaire at the Canton Restaurant in Downtown Savannah and was a staple for many years at the “eggroll door” during the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades. He later operated a ...