Obituaries
Jackie Rockett SEP 26, 1944 - NOV 26, 2015
SAVANNAH – Jacquelyn (Jackie) Rockett, 71, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015 at Hospice Savannah. She was a graduate of Savannah High School and retired from Fries Poultry. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Rockett; son, Tony Rockett; daughter-in-law, April Rockett; grandson, Anthony Nolan Rockett; son, Jason Rockett; sister, Charlotte Coursey. She is survived by sisters, Barbara Deason (Ed), Sally Palmer, Boniane Murray; a brother, Johnny Bridges (Saundra) and many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Green ...
Anthony Bernard Purdy, Sr. OCT 04, 1922 - NOV 25, 2015
Anthony Bernard Purdy, Sr., 93 (Lt. Col, ret.USAF), died peacefully at his home on November 25, 2015, under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice and with his family at his bedside. A member of the Greatest Generation and a native Savannahian, his parents, Grover A. Purdy Sr. and Emily Collins Purdy predeaceased him as did his brothers Grover A. Purdy Jr., Alfred J. Purdy Sr., his brother-in-law Harry J. Elliott, his son-in-law Richard C. Lutz Sr., and his beloved wife Elizabeth G.(Betty) Purdy. Bernie attended Marist School for Boys and when his family moved to Beaufort, SC, he attended high schoo ...
Al St. Lawrence JUL 12, 1934 - NOV 24, 2015
Al St. Lawrence, 81, longtime Sheriff of Chatham County, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015. He was born in Dover, New Hampshire, son of John Ovid St. Lawrence and Mary Gagne St. Lawrence. Mr. St. Lawrence enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1956 after being stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, then called Hunter Air Force Base. After the military, he decided to make Savannah his home. Mr. St. Lawrence began his career in law enforcement in 1959 with the Chatham County Police Department. He held positions during his law enforcement career of Cor ...
Tom Coffey FEB 14, 1923 - NOV 22, 2015
SAVANNAH - Tom Coffey, retired editor of the Savannah Morning News & Evening Press and a journalist in the Savannah area for more than 50 years, died on Sunday while in hospice care in LaGrange, Ga. He was 92. Coffey was the only son of the late Thomas Francis Coffey Sr. and the late Julian Bacon Coffey, and was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Mary Corley Coffey, and daughter, Mary Cynthia Smith. Coffey began his newspaper career as an Evening Press carrier, rising from paper carrier to editor. He also worked in the 1950s as the first news director/sports director for WSAV-TV an ...
Betsy Mulholland Scully FEB 05, 1923 - NOV 22, 2015
Elizabeth Mulholland Scully, 92, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2015. She was born February 5, 1923 in Georgetown, KY, daughter of Daniel Mulholland and Katharine Pieri Mulholland. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Scully. She was a communicant of Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Throughout her life, she volunteered with many catholic and charitable organizations. Surviving are her children, Kathy Ernst (Drew), Julie Burch, Jim Scully (Beth), seven grandchildren, one great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday ...
Francis Lindsay Surrette JUL 01, 1938 - NOV 21, 2015
SAVANNAH – CSM Francis L. Surrette, USA Ret., 77, died Saturday, November 21, 2015, in Savannah. The Haverhill, MA native had lived in Savannah since 1979. He retired as a Command Sargent Major in the United States Army in 1982 after 27 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Chong Ae Surrette; his daughter, Suzanne Sjoquist (Bret); his son, Greg Surrette, Sr. (Joje); two step-daughters, Han Bul Surrette and Sun He Surrette; and two grandchildren, Greg, Jr. and James. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. ...
Myra Stevens Sanders MAR 11, 1927 - NOV 20, 2015
SAVANNAH – Myra Stevens Sanders, 88, died Friday, November 20, 2015, in Savannah. Daughter of the late Willie Erastus and Susie Belle Murphy Stevens, she was born in Twin City, Georgia and had lived in Savannah for most of her life. She was a member of the Christian faith. Surviving are her son, James R. Sanders, Jr. (Geri); her daughter, Cheryl L. Marchant (David); five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Remley Sanders, Sr. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Mauso ...
Hazel S. Anderson SEP 03, 1925 - NOV 20, 2015
Hazel Speake Anderson, 90, died Friday, November 20, 2015. The Canton, Mississippi native was a longtime resident of Savannah. She was the daughter of the late Alfred G. Speake and Mary Brassfield Speake. Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies included fishing the "HA-HA" (Hazel Anderson-Helen Artley) drops, crabbing, and sitting on her dock enjoying the beautiful sunsets on Moon River. She was a faithful Christian and a 59 year member of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Surviving is one son, Raymond E. Anderson (Wilma) of LaGrange, GA, a daughter, Phala M. ...
Sandra Augustine Dennis JAN 26, 1945 - NOV 19, 2015
SAVANNAH – Sandra “Sandy” Claire Augustine Dennis, died on Thursday, November 19th 2015 surrounded by her family, children and grandchildren. She was born January 26th 1945 in Columbia, South Carolina; she was the daughter of the late Lester and Ellie Augustine. She lived in many different states until settling down in Savannah, Ga in 1976 where she set her roots and raised her children. She received her Associate’s degree from University of Washington, Bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University and Master’s Degree from University of South Carolina. Sandy was president of her children’s ...
Darrell Lamont Campbell JUL 29, 1979 - NOV 19, 2015
Darrell Lamont Campbell was born on July 29, 1979 to Mechelle Henderson. He departed this life on November 17, 2015 at Memorial University Medical Center. He leaves to mourn in his passing his mother, Mechelle Henderson of Savannah, GA; sons, Kayden Campbell of Richmond HIll, GA; and Peyton Campbell of Florida; two sisters, Victoria and Kastopica both of Shreveport, LA; grandmother, Elnora Campbell of Shreveport, LA; on aunt, Margie Campbell of Shreveport, LA; three uncles, Issac of Shreveport, LA; Larry of Mt. Airy, MD; and Brian of Memphis, TN; a host of relatives and friends. The Lord is ...
Dorothy Blackston "Dottie" Cetti OCT 06, 1957 - NOV 18, 2015
Dorothy Blackston “Dottie” Cetti, 58, died Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born in Savannah, daughter of Benjamin H. Blackston, Sr. and Dorothy Shea Blackston. Dottie was a graduate of Beach High School, attended Armstrong State College and graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA degree in finance. Dottie was employed in the finance department of Memorial Hospital, American Red Cross and was retired from St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital. She was reared in the Catholic Church but in recent years, attended Savannah Christian Church and Washington Avenue Chr ...
Vivian Allen Howard DEC 04, 1913 - NOV 18, 2015
SAVANNAH - Vivian Allen Howard passed away at her residence on November 18, 2015 just a week before her 102nd birthday. Born in Milledgeville, Georgia, she was daughter of Nellie Gould Allen and Charles Darius Allen. The family moved to Savannah when she was a young child. Vivian attended Georgia College for Women in Milledgeville, University of Georgia and Armstrong State College earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is predeceased by her parents, her loving and devoted husband John Chatham Howard, Sr., and sisters, Myrtle Allen Waters and Dorothy Allen Taylor. Vivian was constan ...
John Joseph McCracken AUG 15, 1929 - NOV 17, 2015
Savannah- John Joseph McCracken, 86, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Roper Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. John was born in Savannah in 1929, son of the late John and Estelle Powers McCracken. He graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1947 and attended Armstrong Junior College. He joined the Chatham Artillery at the age of 18 and later designed the Chatham Artillery Monument erected in 1986 at Emmet Park. He married Carolyn Jossey in 1964 in Mobile Alabama. He was a member of the Irish Heritage Society, the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the Knights of Columbus ...
Gerald Edwin "Jerry" Preacher DEC 20, 1944 - NOV 15, 2015
OKATIE, SC – Gerald Edwin “Jerry” Preacher, 70, died Sunday, November 15, 2015, in Beaufort, SC. He was a native and lifelong resident of Okatie, SC. Jerry was a graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School and attended Armstrong College. He was a veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Surviving is his twin brother, James E. Preacher of Okatie, SC. He was predeceased by his parents, William Hughes Preacher and Josie Mae Sikes Preacher. A Graveside Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah, GA. Please sign our on-lin ...
V. Donald Keen SEP 06, 1931 - NOV 15, 2015
SAVANNAH – V. Donald Keen, 84, died Sunday, November 15, 2015, in Savannah. The Columbus, GA native had lived in Savannah for most of his life and was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He owned and operated The Sports Center on State Street for many years. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and golf. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Surviving are his wife, Marian Anderson Keen, two sons, Perry A. Keen (Tandy) and Mark Keen (Becky); a step-son, Randy Lindler (Maribeth), a step-daughter, Cecile Friend (Kenny); 5 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren ...
Denise Cowger Chisner OCT 25, 1961 - NOV 13, 2015
Denise Cowger Chisner, 54, passed away Friday, November 13, 2015 at her residence. She was born in Akron, Ohio, daughter of Alfred and Christina Gadanac Cowger. After graduation from high school in Akron, she attended Miami University in Ohio and graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Kent State University. Denise later moved to Atlanta where she was a teacher in the Gwinnett County School District. She moved to Savannah in 1991 where she concentrated on rearing her family. She later served as a para-professional and substitute teacher in private schools in Savannah. Denise was an ...
Douglas O. Robbins, Jr. "Bubba" JUL 29, 1952 - NOV 13, 2015
POOLER - Douglas O. Robbins, Jr. “Bubba”, 63, passed away Friday, November 13, 2015. A native and lifelong resident of Savannah he attended Jenkins High School and served in the United States Army. Bubba retired from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and was a Journeyman and Business Manager for Local 26. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, boating and golf. Surviving are his son, Douglas O. Robbins III “Trea” (Amy); his daughter, Jena Robbins Legler (Barry); 2 grandsons, Nicholas and Bradley; his step-mother, Mildred Robbins; and a brother, Gary Robbins. He was predeceas ...
George Carson Waters DEC 31, 1936 - NOV 13, 2015
George Carson Waters, 78 of Peachtree City, formerly of Savannah, Georgia went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loving family, on November 13, 2015. He was born on December 31, 1936 and raised in Savannah, Georgia, the city he loved. He graduated from Commercial High School in 1956 and also graduated from St. Leo College. Afterwards, he proudly served in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he met and married the love of his life, Rita Bartley. They enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 55 years and had two beautiful children. He was a dedicated civil servant for many years ...
Glenda "Joyce" Collins MAY 04, 1948 - NOV 12, 2015
Savannah/Hilton Head/Blowing Rock- Glenda “Joyce” Coleman Collins, 67, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2015. Joyce was from Cobbtown, GA. where she grew up and knew her husband, Leonard Collins, all of her childhood life. After they were married they lived in several places but settled in Savannah in 1978 where they raised their children and she assisted Leonard in his business. After their retirement, they built a summer home in Blowing Rock, NC and moved to Hilton Head. However they still consider Savannah home where their children live. Joyce’s love and career was her family. She was ...
Frank J. Hester AUG 22, 1951 - NOV 12, 2015
Frank Joseph Hester, 64, died November 12, 2015, at Hospice House of Savannah. He was born in Savannah, GA on August 22, 1951 to the late Frank L. and Josephine Grady Hester. Frank was a 1969 graduate of Benedictine Military School, a 1973 graduate of Auburn University, and a 1985 graduate of Wake Forest University where he earned his Master’s degree. He was a member of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Bishop Francis X. Gartland Award (Bishop Gartland was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah). He was also a member and past-president of the H ...
Raymond K. Shatto SEP 21, 1939 - NOV 11, 2015
Savannah- Raymond (Ray) K. Shatto, originally from Long Beach, California passed away peacefully aged 76. He was a resident of Savannah for over 58 years and was the proud owner of Savannah Business Equipment, which he founded over 40 years ago. Ray was known for his immense character, honesty and professionalism. For those fortunate enough to know him personally they were privileged to have enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude. Ray was passionate about boating and antiquing but equally enjoyed performing random acts of kindness and helping others down on their luck. He w ...
Hazel Sullivan Alexander AUG 08, 1920 - NOV 10, 2015
Sara Hazel Sullivan Alexander, 95, died Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at home with her family by her side. She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where she played the piano for over 60 years. Hazel was a lifetime member of the Georgia P.T.A. where she served as State Vice-President. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Washington Sullivan and Maggie Bowers Sullivan, and her husband, Daniel Archie Alexander. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Surviving are two daughters, Vicki Alexander, of Savannah, ...
Ronald Lewis Marky JUL 04, 1934 - NOV 10, 2015
SAVANNAH - Ronald Lewis Marky, 81, our beloved husband and father died Tuesday at his home. He was born on the Fourth of July, 1934 in Buffalo, NY and lived outside Philadelphia, PA for most of his working career. He retired to Savannah 24 years ago. Ron was an avid fisherman and love spending time on Lake Erie with his brother, sons and nephew. He was also an accomplished table tennis player who rarely lost a match before he taught his sons everything he knew about the game. He strived for precision and perfection in everything he did and loved the many trips he took with his family and f ...
Cuong Bui FEB 07, 1948 - NOV 09, 2015
Cuong Bui, age 67, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on November 9, 2015 at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA with his loving wife by his side. Born on February 7, 1948 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Cuong began his career as a pilot at the age of 23. He was proud to be a part of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and a veteran of the Vietnam War. His greatest passion was aviation and after coming to the United States in 1975, he began a dedicated career with Gulfstream. He retired after 36 years of service due to illness. Cuong will always be remembered for hi ...
Elaine Ryals Johnson JAN 30, 1931 - NOV 08, 2015
Elaine Ryals Johnson, a Tybee Island resident, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Joseph Donald Johnson, preceded her in death. Lanie was born on January 30, 1931 in McRae, GA to Lec and Elaine Ryals and had one brother, Lec Jr. Lanie attended 14 schools in 12 years, due to her father’s construction business. She earned her Education degree from Valdosta State College and studied Theater at The University of Florida, where she was also on the diving team. She taught 3rd grade students in McRae, and then high school English in Atlanta. Lanie ...
Margaret Cato Purvis OCT 20, 1930 - NOV 08, 2015
SAVANNAH – Margaret Cato Purvis, 85, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015. She was a native of Edgefield, SC and a longtime resident of Savannah. Mrs. Purvis is survived by her husband of sixty years, John Robert Purvis; three daughters, Christine P. King, Elizabeth P. Colson and her husband, Terry, and Margaret A. Purvis; one son, Eugene M. Purvis and his wife, Stacey; and three grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 11, ...
Jake Edwin Canady SEP 24, 1939 - NOV 07, 2015
Jake Edwin Canady, 76, died Saturday, November 7, 2015 at home in Metter, GA. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and a Master Mason in the Roger Lacy Masonic Lodge #722. Jake was owner and operator of Canady Trucking. Jake is survived by his wife, Peggy Colbertt Canady, three sons, Tray, Todd, and Troy Canady, two brothers, Gary and Greg Canady, six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Additional Memorial Service will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2015 at Richmond Hill United Methodist Churc ...
Robert T. "Bob" McAlister NOV 22, 1944 - NOV 06, 2015
Robert “Bob” Theron McAlister, age 70, died peacefully in his home on Friday, November 6, 2015. He was born in Salina, Kansas on November 22, 1944. Being in a military family he grew up living in various places such as Germany, Japan and Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso and later received his Master’s in Political Science from the University of Georgia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Watson McAlister; step-son, Jim McAlister; step-daughters, Christy Hannaford Connor (Scott) of Atlanta, GA and Holly Hannaford. He is also the proud Grandpa of Evan McAlister, ...
Dr. Martin Clemens Schroeter JUL 21, 1943 - NOV 05, 2015
Dr. Martin Clemens Schroeter, 72, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 5th, 2015 at St. Joseph’s hospital. Husband of Krista Schroeter, he was born in Riga, Latvia, son of Hans Schröter and Renate Schröter (nee Spill), and grew up in Munich, Germany. After receiving his doctorate in paper science from North Carolina State University, he led a distinguished international career as an engineer and innovator in the forest products industry. His work took him and his family from Munich to Seattle, Chicago, and Savannah, where he retired. He is survived by his wife, Krista; his son Florian S ...