Obituaries
Mary Elaine "Little Mary" Johnsey NOV 11, 1947 - MAR 23, 2016
Mary Elaine “Little Mary” Johnsey was born November 11, 1947 in Greensboro, NC and died on March 23, 2016 in Savannah, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Bramlitt and Martha Allene Key Johnsey of Raleigh, NC, her paternal grandparents Arthur L. and Hazel Bramlitt Johnsey of Corinth, MS, and her maternal grandparents Dr. Marcus and Flora Hamm Key of Ramer, TN. Mary was educated in North Carolina and Florida. Her suggestion of “Rivers Current” won the contest to name the residents’ newsletter at River’s Edge Retirement. She entered county and state fairs with her cooking and ...
Constance Mae Fletcher Weathers MAY 26, 1924 - MAR 22, 2016
SAVANNAH - Constance Mae (Fletcher) Weathers, 91, of Savannah, Georgia passed peacefully at her home on Tuesday March 22, 2016. Connie was born on May 26, 1924 in Boston, Massachusetts to Thomas and Jessica Mae Fletcher. She graduated from Saugus High School, Saugus, Massachusetts. Connie later married James Howard (Stormy) Weathers, U.S. Navy, until his passing in 2000 and she had six children who resided in Savannah. Connie worked in retail at Levy's Department Store on Broughton Street and at Byrd’s Supermarket in Savannah for over 20 years. Later she became a caregiver to many families ...
Gary Alan Jackson NOV 16, 1958 - MAR 21, 2016
Gary Alan Jackson, 57, passed away March 21, 2016. Gary was a life-long resident of Savannah, a graduate of H.V. Jenkins High School and attended Armstrong State University. He was the office manager of Brown Arrowhead Clinics, southeast division, for over twenty years. As a member of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, Gary was involved with the youth groups and often drove the van for their excursions. He helped with the sound and lighting for church services and was a life member of Good Sam’s Club, an international organization of recreational vehicle owners. Gary was preceded in death b ...
Sally Lee Hulsey Gailey AUG 09, 1927 - MAR 21, 2016
SAVANNAH - Sally Lee Hulsey Gailey, 88, of Savannah, Georgia, widow of Homer Steve Gailey, entered into eternal rest on March 21, 2016. Sally was born in Clermont, GA on August 9, 1927, the daughter of Samuel Hulsey and Ida Hooper. She was a retired nurse at Memorial Health University Medical Center. She kept busy making slipcovers and sewing which became one of her favorite hobbies. She was very loyal and dedicated to her church and Sunday School. However, her most important role was making sure her family was taken care of in every way. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, friend, and ...
R. M. "Bud" Wilkes JUL 22, 1923 - MAR 20, 2016
SAVANNAH - Mr. R.M. (Bud) Wilkes, died at the age of 92 on March 20th, Palm Sunday, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Savannah, surrounded by his children. He was born the 22nd of July, 1923, in the small town of Cobbtown, Georgia, and spent much of his youth in the nearby town of Collins. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, C’48, Bud Wilkes pursued a career in maritime shipping in the port cities of Norfolk, New Orleans, Houston, and Savannah, having studied international commerce at Notre Dame. His years at Notre Dame were interrupted by World War II and military service, after whic ...
Audrey Price Warren Howell JUN 23, 1931 - MAR 20, 2016
SAVANNAH - Audrey Price Warren Howell, 84, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away March 20, 2016, after succumbing to a brief illness. Born on June 23, 1931, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, she was a daughter of the late William Earl Price, Sr. and the late Hazel Ludwick Price. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Fred Warren, Jr., and George Winston Howell, and her siblings, Elizabeth “Betty” Price Williams and William Earl Price, Jr. Surviving is her son, William Micheal Warren and his wife, Gay, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, two grandchildren, Michelle Warren and ...
H. Robert Powell JUL 01, 1926 - MAR 19, 2016
H. Robert Powell died peacefully at home on March 19, 2016 where his family was able to share stories and find a time to say goodbye. Bob graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a PhD in Economics from the University of Illinois, after serving in the US Army during WWII. Bob retired from the AON Corporation, Chicago, Illinois in 1990 as the Chief Investment Officer; he was also a member of the Chartered Financial Analysts Society. He and his first wife, Priscilla Alden Gates (Perky) moved to Savannah, Georgia to enjoy their retirement which included boating, music, and traveling. Bob was also an avid go ...
Kenneth (Ken) Neal Sanders JUN 27, 1946 - MAR 19, 2016
Kenneth (Ken) Neal Sanders died peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia, on March 19, 2016, after an extended illness. Ken was born in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, to Burley Paul and Atha (Odom) Sanders on June 27, 1946, and moved at the age of 18 months to Varnville. He graduated from Estill High School in 1965 and attended North Greenville Junior College (now University) where he majored in piano and organ. While a student there, Ken was the organist at First Baptist Church in Woodruff, South Carolina. He continued his studies in organ performance and church music at the University of ...
Arnold Harvey, Jr. OCT 01, 1963 - MAR 19, 2016
Arnold LaRyan Harvey, Jr., 52, died Saturday, March 19, 2016 at his residence. He was born October 1, 1963 in Charleston, SC. Arnold was the owner of an antique shop before his retirement. He was an avid traveler and loved to contribute to many philanthropic causes such as Toys for Tots, as well as other civic organizations. He is survived by his mother, Mary Marie Taggart, of Savannah, step-father, Thomas J. Black, Jr., of Savannah, sister, Rhonda Harvey DeCrescenzo, of Darien, GA, brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Elise Harvey, of Orange Park, FL, nieces and nephews, Mandy Rader, Brando ...
George B. Hills, Jr. JUL 17, 1925 - MAR 18, 2016
SAVANNAH – George Burkhart Hills, Jr., 90, died March 18, 2016 surrounded by his wife and children. George was born July 17, 1925 in Jacksonville, Florida, the third of five children of George Burkhart Hills and Anna McEnerny Hills. President of his class, he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and was selected for the V-12 program at Georgia Tech where he played football in the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl, was all-SEC in track and field, and was president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. Graduating in mechanical engineering, George turned down a position with the Green Bay Packers ...
Guadalupe Datugan Dagsaan DEC 12, 1928 - MAR 18, 2016
Guadalupe Datugan Dagsaan, 87, died Friday, March 18, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born in Zambales, Philippines, daughter of Esteban and Manuela Magsanop Datugan. Mrs. Dagsaan attended school in the Philippines where she met and married her late husband. She moved to the United States in 1992 and later became a United States Citizen. She was a communicant of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church where she was also an usher and a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered at the Senior Citizens of Savannah and was one of the founding members of the Filipino-American Prayer Group of Sava ...
Clara McDonough Russo NOV 28, 1943 - MAR 18, 2016
SAVANNAH - Clara Doyle McDonough Russo, 72, born to life November 28, 1943, born to eternal life Friday, March 18, 2016. Faith, family, and friends were the focus of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and an exemplary Catholic lady who loved and lived her faith. Her career in life was her family and her greatest enjoyment was her husband, children and grandchildren. Her days were filled with carpools, volunteering at the children's and grandchildren's schools, proudly attending and cheering at every game, recital and program; and providing a home where family and friends ...
Lillian L. Estes NOV 02, 1935 - MAR 17, 2016
SAVANNAH – Lillian S. Estes, 80, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Arizona. As the wife of a Military Officer she travelled the world with her husband before settling in Savannah in 1973. She was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Billy G. Estes; three daughters, Deborah Fleetwood (Ray), Lori Hagin (William), and Kathy Fischer (Stan); 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Per Mrs. Estes’ wishes there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers the family sugge ...
Governor David Thompson AUG 17, 1940 - MAR 16, 2016
Savannah- Governor David Thompson was born in Lewiston, NC on August 17, 1940 to Mr. John D. Thompson and Mrs. Blanche Faison Thompson. He departed this life March 16, 2016 in his apartment in Savannah, GA. Governor attended North Carolina public schools. After graduating from John B. Bond High School in 1959, he moved from North Carolina to Norfolk, VA. Shortly after that he was hired to work in the warehouse at SS Kresgee in Janiff Shopping Center. He was transferred from Virginia to one of the stores in Washington, DC, later he was transferred to Victoria, TX. Finally he was transferred to ...
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 ...