Obituaries
William Fred Smith MAR 17, 1924 - MAR 16, 2016
SAVANNAH - William Fred Smith, 91, died March 16, 2016 at Summer Breeze Assisted Living in Savannah, GA. He was born in Perry, GA and lived in Macon for most of his life before moving to Savannah in 2012. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He retired from Georgia Kraft Co. He belonged to American Legion Post #3, Macon Exchange Club, DAV, Lizella M his son, William David Smith (Lisa); Masonic Lodge, Dixie Senior Golf Association, Scottish Rite, Al Sinah Shrine, and Royal Order of Jesters. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Guynelle Smith; his son, William David Smith (Lisa); his dau ...
Robert Marshall Hooe, Sr. JUL 29, 1965 - MAR 16, 2016
Robert Marshall Hooe, Sr. 50, died Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Memorial University Medical Center. He was born in Washington, DC, son of Robert I. Hooe and Virginia Horton Hooe. Robert grew up the son of a military family traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Robert was living in Marietta, Georgia where he met his future wife, Donna Gerdes. They ultimately moved to Savannah in 2002. He worked for Historic Carriage Tours where he cared for the horses and performed general maintenance. Robert had been active in the local theater scene in Savannah and was an extra in the television ...
Barbara Frazier Moore MAY 01, 1941 - MAR 16, 2016
Savannah, GA - Barbara Frazier Moore died Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital after a long illness surrounded by her husband and daughter. She was born May 1, 1941 in McComb, MS. She grew up in Shreveport, LA and later moved with her family to Black Mountain, NC where she met and married her loving husband Hank. Before moving to Savannah in 2008, she lived in Simpsonville, SC for 8 years and Hendersonville, NC for 24 years. Barbara was a wife, mother and homemaker. She devoted her life to taking care of those she loved. She was predeceased by her father, James F. Frazier ...
Stuart Grady Knight APR 22, 1926 - MAR 15, 2016
Savannah- Stuart Grady Knight was in his home surrounded by family when he quietly passed on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 after a sudden decline in health. He is survived by 4 children and their families, including 8 blessed grandchildren. He was predeceased by his true love, Connie, whom he courted under the Candler Oak. Stuart was born in Savannah April 22, 1926 to WT Jr and Grace Knight. He was an avid lover of flight; from model aircraft, numerous Cessna’s, to gliders and dreams of piloting a hot air balloon. He loved telling stories of his adventures with family and friends; hiking the Appala ...
Judith "Judy" B. Nichols JUL 19, 1944 - MAR 14, 2016
Judith Beck Nichols, a lifelong Savannahian, died Sunday, March 13th, 2016 suddenly but at extreme and blessed peace. Judy attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1963. After high school she attended Savannah Area Vocational-Technical School. Judy worked at the Manger Hotel in Downtown Savannah shortly after graduation, and often mentioned fond memories of her time there. She later worked at Savannah Bank, Federal Bankruptcy Court, and Sears Catalog Department. Judy spent most of her career as the plant manager’s secretary at the Hunt Wesson Savannah refinery ...
James Montgomery Walker OCT 07, 1923 - MAR 14, 2016
Savannah- James Montgomery Walker fell asleep peacefully in death at the age of 92 in his Wilmington Island home witnessing a most glorious sunset over the Wilmington River with his beloved wife of 64 years at his side. Mr. Walker was born in Atlanta, GA in 1923. He served with the 34th infantry division in WWII and saw combat as an infantryman during the Appenine campaign in Italy with the 5th army under Gen. Mark Clark. He received several awards including a service medal with bronze star. He recalled how he held his bible during the severe action and other infantrymen would come to his fox ...
Ronald Frank Driggers AUG 23, 1953 - MAR 13, 2016
RINCON – Ronald (Ronnie) Frank Driggers, 62, of Rincon, GA passed away from cancer March 13, 2016 at home with his wife by his side. Ronnie was bon August 23, 1953 in Reidsville and was raised in Savannah. He was a 1971 graduate of Johnson High School. He is survived by his wife of 41 years; Stelly, his children; Jody (Tricia), Marcus (Amanda), Kelly, Wendy (Calvin) Carter, his grandchildren; Amberleigh, Kacey, Samantha Evans, Samantha, Connor, Mason, Jackson, his siblings Terry (Trisha), Sandra (Jim) Hurley, Kerry, and other extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Lu ...
Donald E. West, Sr. MAR 16, 1934 - MAR 12, 2016
SAVANNAH – Donald West, 81, died Saturday evening, March 12, 2016, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s at Azalealand Nursing Home. He was born in Savannah, GA on March 16, 1934. He excelled in sports playing football and baseball for Savannah High Blue Jackets. He was the star half back and won All-City in 1952 gaining most of the yards and points that year. He joined the U.S. Army in 1953 after graduation and was on active duty during the Korean Conflict. Returning home he married his high school sweetheart Elaine Beasley. They were married 59 years and had 3 children. Mr. West coached Lit ...
Robert B. Golbey, M.D. JUL 15, 1922 - MAR 12, 2016
Robert B. Golbey, M.D., 93, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2016 with his wife, Monica Hunt, and his son Seth beside him. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1922, Bob spent 35 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he established the Solid Tumor Service and was a pioneer in the development of an effective treatment for testicular cancer. He served in the Korean War and continued in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as Brigadier General in 1984. Following his retirement from MSKCC he and Monica moved to The Landings in Savannah, Ga., where he enjoyed playing golf and travelling the w ...
Ronald V. Taylor, Jr. APR 30, 1918 - MAR 12, 2016
SAVANNAH – Ronald Vivian Taylor, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully at Hospice Savannah on March 12, 2016 after a short illness. Ron, the eldest of two children, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 30, 1918 to Ronald and Alfreda Taylor. When we look at Ron’s memorial plaque we see the dates: 1918 – 2016. What happens between those dates is the “dash” … and Ron’s “dash” was a good, long run. His grandmother – “The Dutchess” – claimed to be from Dutch royalty and up until Ron’s death he was certain a title and a fortune awaited him in Rotterdam. Ron’s grandmother had pet names for the family: His ...
Louis Gustavo Bufalini DEC 15, 1934 - MAR 12, 2016
Louis Gustavo Bufalini (Buff), 81 of Savannah, entered into eternal rest after a long illness on Saturday, March 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at Hospice House in Savannah, GA. Born December 15, 1934 in Watertown, NY, Louis was the second child of four to Louis N. and Dorothy W. Bufalini. After graduation from high school in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he would remain for twenty years until retiring as a Master Sergeant. While stationed at HAFB Louis met his Georgia Peach, Tina Slappey and they married on March 8, 1957. After that he denounced his Yanke ...
Earl James Gray NOV 03, 1927 - MAR 12, 2016
Earl James Gray, 88 of Savannah, Georgia, entered into his eternal rest March 12, 2016. He died of natural causes at Memorial Health University Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Earl was born on November 3, 1927 to Luther and Tina Gray in Harrisville, MS. He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Gray, his mother, Tina Gray, his daughter, Kimberly Hope Gray, and his brother, Hurschel Gray. Earl graduated from Mendenhall High School and shortly after he served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. After his service in the marines, Earl managed stores for McCrory’s Corp ...
Margaret Patricia Kelly - MAR 12, 2016
SAVANNAH - Margaret Patricia Kelly, a native and lifelong resident of Savannah, died Saturday, March 12, 2016, after a short illness.Patricia attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from St. Vincent's Academy in June 1962. The following week she went to work for Atlantic Mutual Fire Insurance Company, where she was employed until the company closed. Shortly after leaving Atlantic Mutual, Patricia joined the office staff of Sherrill & Company, where she was employed until retirement. On weekends and holidays, Patricia served as a docent at the Davenport House, the Owens-Thomas House ...
Emma Sue Wetzel McCarthy MAR 19, 1927 - MAR 12, 2016
SAVANNAH – Sue W. McCarthy, 88, widow of the late John C. McCarthy, Jr., died Saturday, March 12, 2016 at her home. A longtime resident of Savannah, Mrs. McCarthy was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was a devoted and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, and she loved life and never met a stranger. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Surviving are her children, Martha Wood, John C. McCarthy III (Megan), and Timothy Joseph McCarthy; four grandchildren, Mary Sue Fitzgerald, Patrick McCarthy, Courtney McCarthy, and Katie McCarthy; and one great-granddaughter, E ...
Harry Arnold Kennedy APR 19, 1930 - MAR 12, 2016
Harry Arnold Kennedy, 85, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Summer Breeze. He was born in Effingham County, son of Harry Wyman Kennedy and Duchess Beasley Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was retired from Savannah Electric and Power Company after many years of service and a member of Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church, Tybee Island. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Kennedy, brother, Roger D. Kennedy, sisters, Delores Bukoski and Annette Campbell. Surviving are his wife, Cathryn Allbritton Kennedy of Savannah; son, Richard Branham (Pam) of Birmingham, AL; daughter, Susan Lauer (Curt) of ...
Nicholas C. Alexander DEC 13, 1921 - MAR 11, 2016
TYBEE ISLAND – Nicholas (Nickie) Alexander, 94, died peacefully at his home last Friday, March 10, 2016. Many thanks to Hospice Savannah, Inc. that quickly fulfilled his wishes and moved to get him home. While in the hospital, he told his family and friends that he had a four letter word for them…..E X I T! He just wanted to go home! Nickie was born in Youngstown, Ohio and moved to Tybee in 1945. The island would never be the same. He either built, bought, or sold most every restaurant or bar on the island. When he owned what is now the Sunrise Restaurant he slept in the back room. He lived l ...
Mary Sheahan Parrish FEB 09, 1955 - MAR 11, 2016
BROOKLET – Mary Sheahan Parrish, 61, died in the evening of March 11, 2016. Born February 9th, 1955 in Savannah, she attended St. Vincent's Academy and Savannah High School. She is survived by her husband Jesse R. Parrish, Jr.; her mother, Dorothy S. Sheahan; her children Jesse R. Parrish, III, Jason R. Parrish and Amanda A. Parrish; Kristen P. Berry and Michael A. Berry; and Megan N. Parrish; 5 grandchildren; 7 siblings and their spouses and many nieces and nephews. There will be a Mass held at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 221 John Paul Avenue, Statesboro, Georgia 30458 on Saturday March 19t ...
Mildred Creamer Hitch SEP 04, 1920 - MAR 11, 2016
Mildred Creamer Hitch, 95, died March 11, 2016 at home after a short illness under the care of Hospice of Savannah. Mildred was born September 4, 1920 in Savannah the daughter of Louise Savarese Creamer and J. Robert Creamer. She is a descendent of the Salzburgers of Ebenezer. Mildred and Paul moved to Savannah in 1978 and were members of Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. Mildred is survived by her husband, Paul Hitch, of almost 70 years of marriage, and her son Douglas Hitch and his wife Jill of St. Petersburg, FL. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony Creamer, Robert Creamer ...
Dave E. Warren, Jr. OCT 07, 1928 - MAR 08, 2016
Dave Warren passed away peacefully at his home of 52 years on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. He was an avid fisherman and hunter through most of his life. He was also a skilled marksman. He was a member of the 1965 12 Gauge 5 man team world championship skeet shooting team. Dave was a member of the Forest City Gun Club and the Alee Temple Shrine. He worked for Johns Manville Corporation for 30 years retiring in 1983. He was in the Army Air Corp and also worked for the FBI after his discharge from the service. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen. He is survived by his 5 children, Charles Warr ...
Catherine Nikki Argyros AUG 23, 1948 - MAR 08, 2016
Catherine Nikki Argyros, 67, died March 8, 2016, at home. She was surrounded by her daughter, Alexis, son-in-law, Scott, and grandchildren. She was born August 23, 1948 in Astoria, Queens, New York, and also lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, before moving to Savannah, Georgia. She graduated in 1966 from Triton High School, Belmar, New Jersey. After raising two children as a single parent, she received a B.A. from Moravian college in Bethlehem, PA, in 1992. Catherine was ahead of her time. With boundless determination and great enthusiasm she founded the Green Pages Environmental Newspape ...
James Lawrence Groover, Jr. JAN 20, 1952 - MAR 07, 2016
James L. Groover, Jr. was born January 20, 1954 and passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 in Savannah. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Peters Monsees and step father, C. Henry Monsees. Surviving are his sister, Gloria Ann Groover; brother, Henry S. Monsees; nephew, Henry S. Monsees, Jr.; nieces, Katherine S. Monsees, Mary Elizabeth Monsees and his aunt, Bonnie P. Gentes. Jimmy attended Benedictine Military School and graduated from Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL. Jimmy attended both Mercer and Armstrong State University. He was active in the American Red Cross and local amateur ...
Stetson Fleming FEB 08, 1934 - MAR 07, 2016
Sidney Stetson Fleming, III died Monday, March 7th at home with family and under the care of Gentiva Hospice. He was born in Tampa Florida and was the son of Kathleen Saussy Fleming Brittain, Sidney Stetson Fleming II and Stepfather Karl Brittain. Stetson was born in Tampa Florida and lived most of his life in Savannah Georgia where he graduated from Savannah High School. He then attended the University of the South at Sewanee, University of Georgia and graduated with a degree in accounting. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He served in the US Army Signal Corps in Europe befor ...
Stan Wigley OCT 02, 1935 - MAR 07, 2016
Stan Wigley, age 80, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016, at his residence. The native and lifelong resident of Savannah was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Coastal Cathedral and had attended the First Baptist Church of the Islands. Stan was also a member of Zerubbabel Lodge #15, F&AM. He retired as co-owner of Custom Woodwork and Plastics. Stan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Wigley, and two sons, Steven and Ronald Wigley. Surviving are two sons, Joseph Stanley Wigley, Jr. and his wif ...
Nita Riggs Harley OCT 03, 1929 - MAR 06, 2016
SAVANNAH - Nita Riggs Harley died Sunday, March 6, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 3, 1929 in Evans County, Georgia to the late Loren and Beulah Riggs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Harley, Sr. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Temple and a member of the Invincible Sunday School Class. Nita was a loving homemaker who enjoyed her aerobics class at church, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. She was an honorary lifetime member of the Georgia Parent Teacher Association. Survivors include her two ...
Clara Riggs Love NOV 16, 1922 - MAR 05, 2016
Clara Riggs Love, 93, died Saturday, March 5, 2016 in Macon, GA. She was born November 16, 1922 in Evans County, GA to the late Marvin and Rachel McCord Riggs. Mrs. Love was a member of the Harvest Church of the Nazarene and worked for many years for Smith Brothers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Love. In her life, Clara touched many souls. Some known only to God. Clara and James offered rides to church for those otherwise unable to attend. They often invited friends and acquaintances to Sunday dinner after services. Clara visited shut-ins and th ...
Hilma S. Traver APR 28, 1919 - MAR 05, 2016
SAVANNAH - Hilma Shuler Traver, affectionately known as GaGa or Gammy, died March 5, 2016 at Azalealand Nursing Home surrounded by her family and caregivers. She was born in Eutawvillle, S.C., in 1919, the daughter of Felix and Helen Shuler. She was a leader in her family, her church and her community throughout her life. After one year at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C., she married George Franklin Traver in 1938 and moved to Savannah, the city she lovingly called, “The City of Trees.” She was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension for more than 75 years and became the ...
Hunter D. Lupton OCT 09, 1953 - MAR 04, 2016
SAVANNAH, GA – HUNTER DREWREY LUPTON, (62), died suddenly Friday, March 4, 2016, from complications of a recent surgery in Savannah, GA. Hunter was born in Jacksonville, FL, raised in Norfolk, VA, and Covington, TN. After matriculating from Byars Hall High School, in Covington, he enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology and joined the Chi Phi fraternity. He received a Bachelor’s of Civil Engineering in 1975, and was a life-long Yellow Jackets fan. He recently retired with 40 years of federal civilian service as a civil engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. He ...
Lola (Viola) Muriel Collins JUN 08, 1918 - MAR 04, 2016
Savannah- Lola (Viola) Muriel Collins, 97, passed away peacefully on March 4th 2016 at Candler Hospital, with family at her side. Lola was born in Australia in 1918. She married Edward Gaffney and gave birth to four children - James Patrick Gaffney, Sharyn Marie Pearl Gaffney, Marguerite Ellen Gaffney-Way, and Michael William Gaffney. Later, she moved to Savannah and married James Clifton Collins, giving birth to one daughter, Kathleen Mary Collins. Lola’s accomplishments were vast and varied. She was employed by Levy’s Department Store, the Desoto Hilton, the Downtowner, the Savannah Inn and ...
Claxton "C.R." Harpe MAR 11, 1926 - MAR 04, 2016
Savannah- Claxton “C.R.” Harpe died Friday, March 4, 2016. Mr. Harpe was born March 11, 1926 in Sumter County, GA to the late Roy Harpe and the late Ruth Parker Harpe. He grew up in Leslie, GA where he attended high school and excelled in basketball. He retired from the transportation industry after 37 years. C.R. enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. He was an avid bowler and was a member of several bowling leagues. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Barnard Harpe in 2001, as well as his brother, Clifford W. Harpe, of Leslie, GA and his sister, Joyce H. Ellison, of Perry, GA. He is ...
Melody Williams Gordon JAN 15, 1958 - MAR 04, 2016
GARDEN CITY – Melody Gordon, 58, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016. A native of Ocala, FL, she had lived in Garden City for the past 16 years. She was a wonderful lady who never met a stranger and touched the hearts of everyone she met. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and daughter. Melody is survived by her husband of 36 years, Tim H. Gordon; her son, Tim M. Gordon (Heather E. Gordon) all of Savannah; her mother, Melinda E. Williams, of Oldfield, MO; her brothers, Ernest Williams, of St. Augustine, FL and Sam Williams (Angie), of Green Forest, AR; her sisters, Melissa Clevenger (Bob ...