Obituaries
Colonel William K. Matthews, USAF, Ret. FEB 17, 1943 - AUG 08, 2025
Retired Colonel William K. Matthews (Bill) passed away on August 8, 2025. Bill was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 17, 1943, but grew up in Akron, on the eastern plains of Colorado, where the buffalo roam. Growing up an only child, Bill worked with his parents, Robert and Marie Matthews, in their jewelry store on Main Street and enjoyed restoring cars with his dad. His favorite being a Golden Hawk Studebaker. Bill met Rebecca Louise Elder (Becky) when they were in junior high, and he was best friends with her older brother. He courted her in high school and college, and they ...
John Ingram Fishburne, Jr., MD AUG 18, 1937 - AUG 07, 2025
JOHN INGRAM FISHBURNE, JR., MD John Ingram Fishburne, Jr. died on August 7, 2025, at the age of 87. John and his loving wife of 64 years, Jean, have resided at The Landings for last twenty years, having first discovered it in 1975 when a private practice medical career in Savannah was briefly considered. John was originally a Charlestonian, while Jean was born and raised in Savannah. In 1945 John’s father became a US Foreign Service Officer and the family began a peripatetic existence which took John to a varied education abroad. When he finished his formal education, he had attend ...
Emory (Speer) Nesbit MAY 05, 2020 - AUG 07, 2025
Emory “Speer” Nesbit 05/05/2020-08/07/2025 Emory “Speer” Nesbit, beloved son of Emory and Anna Wells Nesbit, passed away on August 7th at the age of 5. Speer was the loving brother to Lynnon, Mills and Edward “Teddy” Nesbit. He is survived by his adoring siblings, and a large family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who cherished him deeply. Speer was the most courageous, brave, and loving person his family has ever known. A true gift from God, he brought light, laughter and joy to every heart he touched. He was in his happy place ...
Yung Dee Yao SEP 13, 1922 - AUG 07, 2025
Yung Dee Yao, 103, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Yung Dee was born in China on September 13, 1922. She married her beloved husband, Jimmy Yao, and together they raised three children. In 1967, the family immigrated to Savannah, GA, where Yung Dee and Jimmy opened the first Chinese restaurant on Tybee Island, the Dragon Palace. After Jimmy’s passing, Yung Dee moved to Atlanta to enjoy her retirement with her daughter, Winnie. Preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy; her son, Paul Yao of Savannah; and her son-in-law, William Tang of Roswell, Yung Dee is survive ...
Lora Ortiz DEC 25, 1942 - AUG 07, 2025
Early Life and Family Lora, the second child and first daughter of Aston and Thelma Warner, was born on Christmas Day in 1942. Her mother often chided Lora that her timely arrival meant she missed her Christmas dinner that year. Growing up, Lora was a devoted sister to Paul, Thelma, and Claudette. Though she tended to be quiet, Lora’s sense of humor and occasionally mischievous streak brought warmth to her family. She was also known for her ability to do things just right—a quality for which her siblings affectionately nicknamed her “Miss Perfect.” Education Lo ...
Jose Vernon Pascual JUN 16, 1961 - AUG 06, 2025
With the profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Vernon Pascual on August 6, 2025 in Savannah, GA. With his loving family by his side, he came to the end of his journey on earth. Born in Manila, Philippines on June 16, 1961, he was the 2nd of 3 children of Norman and Anita Pascual. Because of his father’s work, he and his family moved throughout southeast Asia during his childhood immersing in the sites, cultures, and cuisines of Singapore, Indonesia, and Borneo. In 1980, the family eventually settled in Savannah, GA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineerin ...
Harold Benjamin Horton JAN 30, 1937 - AUG 06, 2025
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Savannah mourns the loss of a beloved son this past week, on the 6th day of August, as Harold Benjamin Horton peacefully departed this world at home, surrounded by his devoted family. Born and raised in the heart of Savannah, Harold spent his childhood playing in Forsyth Park, where his love for the city began. He attended Savannah High School on Washington Avenue and later graduated from Armstrong College, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Harold married the love of his life, Carolyn Strickland, originally from Pembroke, and together they began their family in Atlanta, w ...
Chris Shaw - AUG 06, 2025
Christopher “Chris” Layden Shaw, 50, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Candler Hospital after a long battle with health issues. He was the loving son of Carl and Janis Shaw Shaw of Savannah. Chris was a 1993 graduate of Benedictine Military School. He worked for the Crab Shack and Huc A Poos Resturants. For the past 25 years Chris worked for U.P.S. in Atlanta and Savannah area. He loved each and every one of these jobs and made many friends along the way. Chris was an avid Atlanta Falcons fan, even when they were losing, ...
Michael (Mike) Edward Ware, Sr. MAY 25, 1934 - AUG 05, 2025
Michael (Mike) Edward Ware, Sr. died peacefully on August 5, 2025 at the age of 91. He was born on May 25, 1934 in Savannah, GA to John DeWitt and Mary Whalen Ware. Mike attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Benedictine Military School where he was captain of the football team, a game he truly loved his entire life. Mike worked as an Electrician for 44 years as an IBEW Union electrician working on many prominent commercial construction projects in the Savannah area. Mike was a an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and quietly humorous man who loved everyone he met and n ...
Peter Santillanez SEP 05, 1957 - AUG 05, 2025
Peter Joseph Santillanez, 67, of Pooler, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025. He was born September 5, 1957, in Smyrna, Tennessee, son of the late Orlando Gilbert Santillanez and Betty Jane Hunt Santillanez. He was an electrician for many years. Survivors include his children, Susan Santillanez Kessler of Hinesville, and Logan Santillanez of Pooler; grandchildren, Jackxon Neal, Amber Hoover and Natalie Santillanez, great-grandchildren, Sabrina Hoover, and Sophia Pacheco; a brother, Larry Santillanez, and a niece and nephew. A graveside service will b ...
Thomas Joseph Morris - AUG 04, 2025
Thomas Joseph Morris, 97, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Savannah Square Retirement Community. Born in Lima, PA, June 17, 1928, he had two brothers, William F. Morris and M. Patrick Morris and a sister, Marian M. Morris. His grandfathers' Patrick Morris and Michael Carbine were both from Ireland. Tom joined Lima Fire Company, Lima, PA in 1945 where he served as a volunteer fireman, Assistant Engineer, Engineer, Assistant Chief, Chief, Chairman of Board of Directors. He held the position of Chief for twelve years. He started an ambulance service at the Lima Fire Company in 197 ...
Irita Newman Love JUN 18, 1935 - AUG 04, 2025
Irita Newman Love had a vibrant life full of love and laughter. She met every moment of everyday with a warm smile, a cast iron skillet full of something wonderful, and a big glass of sweet tea for those who were lucky enough to call her a friend, or mom, or best of all Mema. Her laughter was contagious and her arms were always open. She loved her church, cooking, the beach, and most of all her family. She is survived by her two sons, Michael Love and Mark Love; her daughter-in-law, Beth; six grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. A memorial service will be hel ...
David R. Brannon - AUG 04, 2025
David Richard Brannon, 70, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, in Savannah. He was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee. David worked for D.C. Electric and Howard Auto Shop. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Brannon, and his sister, Beverly Beaty. Davis is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anna Coby Brannon, his daughters, Christina (Austin) Collins of Columbia, SC, Cynthia Brannon of Savannah, and Samantha Brannon of Savannah, his sons, David R. Brannon, Jr. of Tennessee, and Charles Brannon (Dana) of West Virginia, his sisters, Brenda Donaldson, Glenda Brooks ...
Angela (Angie) Willard Colquitt JUN 14, 1960 - AUG 03, 2025
Angela “Angie” Willard Colquitt, 65, died peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, August 3rd, 2025. Angie was born in Tachikawa, Japan while her father was stationed there in the 60’s. She was the third child of Charles and Montine Willard. She went on to grow up and live in Savannah, Georgia after returning stateside as a young child. She graduated from Windsor Forest High School in 1978. In 1994, she married her husband Thomas “Rusty” Colquitt, and they have been together ever since. She retired from the Savannah Yacht Club and worked alongside her husband wi ...
Daniel (Danny) Robin Ayala DEC 13, 1951 - AUG 02, 2025
Daniel “Danny” Robin Ayala, 73, of Tybee Island, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. Born on December 13, 1951, in Savannah, Danny relocated to Tybee Island at the age of 16. He retired from the Georgia Ports Authority after more than 32 years of service. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Pagan Ayala; his children, Kevin Ayala (Laura), Jill Ayala, Tiffanie Knight (Louis), Chad McCoy (Lori), and Marian Roberts (Chris); his cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Bella, Ellie, Abe, Morgan, Jordan, Devin, Casey, Brooklyn, Hannah, and Jack; and a great-grandchild, Carter. ...
Ralph (Trip) Edward Kennickell III FEB 01, 1978 - AUG 02, 2025
It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Ralph (Trip) Edward Kennickell III on August 2, 2025, at the age of 47. Trip was born in Savannah, GA on February 1, 1978, to Barbara and the late Ralph Jr. Trip graduated from the University of Georgia in 2000 and remained a lifelong Bulldogs fan. His passion for sports was a common thread through his relationships with family and friends. Trip’s strength of personality was one of his most defining features; he brought a presence into every room he entered. The loss of Trip, who had so much more l ...
Marguerite (Peggy) Minis Trethewey APR 20, 1945 - AUG 02, 2025
Peggy Trethewey exemplified a life well-lived. Her 80-year journey was brimming with intelligence, curiosity, warmth, and an irrepressible spirit and smile all packed into a “little” 5 feet, 2 inches. Peggy was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Florence Powell and A. Minis Jr. From age four she attended Pape School until it morphed into Savannah Country Day in 1954. A fifth grade classmate, and one of the boys who enrolled that year in the formerly all-girls school, remembered her at that time as “an adorable and precocious classmate.” Unfortunately for that ...
Amy Leigh Macera Snyder MAY 27, 1972 - AUG 02, 2025
The History of a Life Well-Lived On August 2nd, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, the final chapter of Amy Snyder's beautiful life on earth came to a close, giving way to her never-ending story in her Heavenly home that her soul was meant for all along. Scripture tells us that Heaven does not require a sun or moon because it is illuminated by the glory of God. It must have been a sight to behold as Amy with her 1000-megawatt smile arrived and illuminated it even further. Everyone who knew Amy knew she loved Jesus, books, history, education, her community, and her famil ...
Cecilia Helen Trees NOV 15, 1927 - AUG 01, 2025
Cecilia Helen Trees died peacefully at home under the care of Hospice Savannah on August 1, 2025. She was born on November 15, 1927, in Frackville, Pennsylvania. Cecilia was the daughter of Mr. Joseph Kituskie and Mariana Wazacha Kituskie. She graduated from Gilberton Burrough High School in 1945. Cecilia met her husband William Trees in Lynchburg, Virginia, and married him in 1957. Shortly after their marriage, Cele and Bill moved to Savannah, Georgia. In the early years of their marriage, Cele devoted her time to raising her children. Later, Cele volunteered in the ...
James Clifford (Cliff) McCurry JUL 08, 1948 - JUL 31, 2025
J. Cliff McCurry, 77, a well-known and respected community leader, philanthropist, and businessman, passed away peacefully at home on July, 31st. Originally from Clayton, Georgia, Cliff was the son of Arthur James McCurry and Mary Agnes Lee McCurry. They moved to Savannah when Cliff was a toddler, and he called the city home for the rest of his remarkable life. In 1970, Cliff married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn “Kathy” Jurelle Hooper and they were incredibly loving parents to two sons, James Clifford McCurry, Jr. and Edward Lee McCurry. The highlight of bo ...
William Joseph Redditt APR 17, 1939 - JUL 31, 2025
William Joseph Redditt, 86, of Georgetown, South Carolina, passed away, Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was born April 17, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida, son of the late Dixon Irving Redditt and Joann Housten Redditt, and preceded in death by his wife, Ronell Collins Redditt. Mr. Redditt retired following 22 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Chief Petty Officer. He was the last officer in charge of the Georgetown Lighthouse. He loved the outdoors, especially saltwater fishing. Survivors include his daughter, Linda Redditt Lambert (Frankie), grandchildren, Brandy Paulette Lambert, J ...
Donald (Don) Jackson Green, Sr. MAR 05, 1932 - JUL 31, 2025
Donald (Don) Jackson Green, Sr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 31, 2025. He was born on March 5, 1932 to Walter and Mozelle Green in Lindale, Georgia where he lived until joining the Air Force. In 1952 he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Gay Demark, while serving in the Air Force at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage until her death in 2015. His 20 years of distinguished military service included a tour of duty as an evacuation medic in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He earned a number of awards includi ...
Kenneth Frederick Klinkert Jr. MAY 21, 1946 - JUL 31, 2025
Kenneth F Klinkert Jr., known as Kenny, Cosmic Ken or Skipper, 79, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Pooler Resorts nursing home in Pooler, Ga. Kenny was the only son of Edith Sheppard and Kenneth F Klinkert Sr. of Savannah and had three sisters Betty Walker, Judy Lyle, and Deborah Stair. In 1967 Kenny enlisted in the Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. In the heat of battle he was often tasked with scouring underground tunnels and caves for hidden Vietcong. He was awarded the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his bravery and wo ...
C.J. Garrad JUL 08, 1993 - JUL 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ciaran Jon “CJ” Garrad, who left us far too soon on July 30, 2025, at the age of 32. Born on July 8, 1993, in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England. CJ was an incredible friend, a protective brother, loving son and wonderful coworker. After earning a degree in surgical technology, CJ worked at Optim Orthopedics and St. Joseph’s hospital, where he excelled as a surgical tech in the operating room. His kindness, sense of humor, and generous spirit touched everyone he met. He was known for his warm smile, big ...
Freida Cheryl Dutton Horne - JUL 30, 2025
Freida Cheryl Dutton Horne passed away peacefully at age 81 in the warm, early morning of Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. A native of Savannah, Freida traveled the world as a military spouse before retiring in Effingham County. Freida was a life long learner and lover of nature, architecture, archaeology, history, landscaping, interior design, wildlife, and dogs. Freida loved entertaining and cooking for her family and friends. She was the life of her family gatherings as an impeccable hostess. She embraced a life of selfless giving to her family, friends, and countless ...
Robert Noboru Yamazaki APR 01, 1938 - JUL 30, 2025
Celebrating the Life of Robert Noboru Yamazaki With love and gratitude, we honor the incredible life of Robert Noboru Yamazaki, who passed away peacefully on July 30,2025 at the age of 87. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Robert’s legacy of love, service, and innovation will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Born on April 1, 1938, Robert dedicated his life to both his family and his country. He proudly served as a U.S. Army Officer, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty. After two tours in Vietnam, he ret ...
Patricia Watkins Wells (Patty) NOV 08, 1949 - JUL 29, 2025
Born November 8th, 1949 in Bangor, Maine. Died July 29th, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. Patricia Watkins Wells, called “Patty” by friends and family, passed away in hospital in Savannah Georgia on the evening of 29 June, following a brief period of increasingly poor health following the death of her husband, Charlie, known to all as “Peaches”. She passed in the company of her beloved son, Charles, and nephew Jamie Wisner. Patty was a homemaker who also worked for many years as an assistant at Saint Mary’s Home, ...
Eda Mains Prescott JUN 06, 1952 - JUL 28, 2025
Eda Mains Prescott passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025. Originally from Lansdale, PA, Eda was a longtime resident of Savannah. She worked as an X-ray technician at Candler Hospital for many years before retiring two years ago. Eda was a beloved mother, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a passion for gardening and was known as an amazing cook. She is deeply missed. Eda is survived by her son, Daniel S. Prescott, of Savannah, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ...
Melanie Wildes Cox JUL 17, 1960 - JUL 27, 2025
Melanie Wildes Cox, 65, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on July 27, 2025, after battling stage 4 small cell lung cancer. Melanie was born on July 17, 1960, in Douglas, Georgia, to Glenys and Laverne Wildes. Melanie had one brother, Scott Wildes. She was married to Steve Cox for 40 years and was the proud mother of two children, Jana Parks and Steven Cox. Additionally, she was blessed with two grandchildren, Kayleigh Lee and Shandon Cox. Melanie was preceded in death by her father, Laverne Wildes. She is survived by her mother, Glenys Wildes; her brother, Scott Wildes (Debbie); her hu ...
Mildred Croom DEC 27, 1923 - JUL 25, 2025
Mildred Croom (1923-2025) Mildred Croom, 101, of Savannah, GA died peacefully in the company of her family on July 25th, 2025. Throughout Millie’s long life she maintained a positive outlook, a bright smile and her Brooklyn attitude! Millie was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 27th, 1923. She was the first born child of Helen and William Grundmann. She spent most of her childhood in the small town of Spring Valley, New York. She graduated from Spring Valley High School where she was an accomplished violinist and member of the National Honor Society. At the beginning of Wor ...