Obituaries

Lila Shockley, born Lila June Wood in El Centro, CA, has died at 90 years old. Lila spent the first nine years of her life in the Imperial Valley of California after her parents moved there from Texas. Her father, Herman, was a farm foreman who specialized in growing melons. Her mother, Mae, cooked for the farmhands in order to supplement their income during the Great Depression. When she was nine, Lila and her family moved north to Patterson, California where Mom met friends who developed into lifelong relationships. After graduating high school, Lila wanted to see the world. She app ...

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Leslie Ann Armstrong Davidson, 65, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 at her home with her family by her side.  She was born January 3, 1959 in Savannah to the late Kenneth A. and Marion Sisson Armstrong.  Leslie grew up on Isle of Hope, and worked for Savannah State University for many years.  She was a member of CGL/B.Hom. She is survived by her daughter, Sheena Kristina Davidson, sons, Jeremy Christopher Davidson (Reah), and Joshua Timothy Davidson, grandchildren, Hailey Davidson, Cohen Horton, and Patience Kirby, as well as several cousins.  A visitation ...

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Christopher Scott Floyd, 61, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2024 at Hospice Savannah.  He is survived by is wife, Heather Merbs, and many other relatives.  Arrangements are incomplete at this time.   ...

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James Barrick passed away peacefully Friday, February 16, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children.  He was born July 25, 1938, in Lebanon, Indiana.  He was the oldest of four children.  His brothers Gary, and Steven and sister Martha preceded his death. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Hufford Barrick of Skidaway Island, GA; son James Bradly Barrick and his daughter, Gianna Mari of Boise, Idaho; daughter Jan Barrick Noble and son-in-law John Theophilus Noble and their children, Bradley James and Margaret of Brookline, New Hampshire, along with many, many friends fr ...

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HELEN KAYE HOLTON AUDET 99, PASSED AWAY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024. KAYE WAS BORN IN SOPERTON, GA. JULY 2,1924, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE GLEN AND HATTIE SAMMONS HOLTON. SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE TRAVELED AND LIVED IN MANY CITIES WITH HER HUSBAND WHO WAS IN THE NAVY. SHE WAS AN AVID GARDENER AND ALWAYS HAD A JOKE TO TELL. SHE WAS A MASTER SEAMSTRESS AND HAD AN EYE FOR DECORATING. SHE LOVED ANIMALS (EVEN RAISING CHICKENS) AND HAD MANY PETS OVER THE YEARS. ONCE THE FAMILY SETTLED IN SAVANNAH, GA, SHE WORKED AS A SECRETARY AT TWO SCHOOLS IN CHATHAM COUNTY AND RETIRED TO BECOME A REAL EST ...

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Aline (Sam) Jakubowski, born in St. Eugene, Ontario, Canada, on March 1, 1931, wife of the late Lucien (Jack) Jakubowski, passed away peacefully at her home on February 14, 2024. After traveling the world, Sam and Jack fell in love with Savannah and were proud to call it home. Sam retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers. She was an interesting, quick-witted lady who loved her cat, Shadow. She will be dearly missed. Cremation provided by Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, GA. There will be no service per Sam’s wishes. Donations may be made to the Chatham County Animal ...

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On the evening of Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Douglas Castleman Anthony passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home at The Social in Savannah. He was 101 years old. Doug was born in Hague, in Westmoreland County, Virginia on November 1, 1922. He was the fourth child, and the third son, of Mary and Milton Anthony. When quite young, he moved with his mother and three surviving siblings to Washington, DC where she could find a job to support the family. Doug left school early and took a job delivering Western Union telegrams on bicycle. He joined the Navy in 1940 and during ...

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Leland Heflin Moss, Jr., age 72, died Feb. 12 at Riverview Rehabilitation in Savannah, following complications from a hip fracture. He was born August 9, 1951, in Atlanta, the second son of Leland Heflin Moss, Sr., and Jo Anne (Gordon) Moss. A 1969 graduate of Vidalia High School, he attended Georgia Tech before joining his father’s business, Altamaha Surveying & Mapping Co. in Vidalia. He took over the business after his father’s death in 1993 and continued until 2020. He enjoyed music and golfing. He was predeceased by both parents. He is survived by three brothers, Mic ...

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It was once written that death is not the end of life: rather it is simply like blowing out a small candle because the dawn has finally emerged with its brilliant natural light, encompassing warmth, and the belief of a beautiful day to come.   And so the bright light of morning has finally come for our beloved Patsy Eugene “Jean” Lamson who slipped away quietly on the afternoon of February 12, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was 86 years old.  The Lamson children, rich in the faith passed on to them by their parents, celebrate her ...

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Emerson Victor Harbester, Jr, 92, died February 11, 2024 at his home in the presence of his family. Emerson, the only son of Emerson, Sr and Elsie Harbester was born on January 3, 1932 in Plainfield, New Jersey.  Emerson also had two younger sisters, Joan (Radula) of New Smyrna, Florida, and Carol (Martin) of Port Orange, Florida.  The family moved to the Worchester, Massachusetts area where Emerson completed his school years graduating from Leicester High School.  After graduation, Emerson attended Worcester Jr. College and Boston University completing one year before joinin ...

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Kathie Tucker, a remarkable woman known for her compassionate heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love to many, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia surrounded by those dear to her. She was 71 years old. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 21, 1952, Kathie was the daughter of Claudette Viltz and Henry Leslie Goggans.  Her greatest joy in life was her family who affectionally called her “Kak Kak.” She is survived by the love of her life, Rick Gilpin, with whom she shared 23 devoted years building a memorable life. She leaves behind her l ...

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Lou Venegas was smart, kind and funny. He was a loving husband, involved father and doting grandfather. He died peacefully at Hospice Savannah on February 10, 2024 at the age of 84. Lou loved life, loved his friends and family and was successful at everything he put his energy towards. After an early childhood in Puerto Rico he moved to New York City where he was scouted by the NY (baseball) Giants and proudly served in the Army. He thrived in his chosen field of technology, founding several innovative companies following early retirement from a successful career at IBM. He married the l ...

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Russell James Merkert, Jr., “RJ” died at Hospice Savannah on February 10, 2024. He was born in Long Island, New York on May 23, 1963. He was a beloved son, brother and uncle. He is survived by his mother and father, Faythe and Russ Merkert, and three sisters, Wendy, Hope, Jill and their families. He is also survived by his loving and devoted girlfriend of 20 years, Carolyn Spitzer and best friends, John and Elizabeth Shivas. After having received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) he went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia Southern ...

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  John Cornelius VanPuffelen (79)  - beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on February 10, 2024 after a long battle with Dementia and Parkinson’s. Joe was born to the late Anton Jacobus and Virginia Castleman VanPuffelen on January 14, 1945 in McKinny, Texas.  His family moved to Savannah in 1952 when his father became the pastor of The Independent Presbyterian Church.  Joe was a member of the Savannah High School Class of 1963and attended Belhaven College. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Mary Matilda Griffeth on ...

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Stephen Lawrence Skinner, AKA Skinner / Skinman, passed away on February 10, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He was born March 22, 1964. Stephen was the son of Herbert Clifton Skinner and Bertie Palmer Skinner. Stephen grew up on Whitemarsh Island. He was a true river rat, running havoc on the creeks and marshes in his youth. He graduated from St. Andrew’s in 1982, and earned a BA in Psychology from Wofford College. Stephen’s easy going nature and genuine love for others, attracted a wide and diverse circle of friends. He never met a stranger. His vibrant spirit touch ...

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John Henry “Jack” Kiel, 86, died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Friday, February 9, 2024. The longtime resident of Savannah was born on June 10, 1937 in Appleton, WI.  Jack was a U.S. Army veteran and retired as the owner/operator of a sales business.   Jack leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years, Eleanor Shell Kiel of Savannah; and many friends that will dearly miss him. He was proceeded in death by parents, Henry A.and Alvina Kiel, his brothers and sister-in-law‘s, Robert and Phyllis, Kiel, and Larry and Margaret Kiel as well as ...

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Ruth Erlene (McCord) Hall, 94, died peacefully on February 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Erlene was born in Savannah, Georgia, the only daughter of James Ernest and Beatrice Donnie McCord (both pre-deceased).  She had two brothers, Charles McCord (pre-deceased) and Donald McCord (pre-deceased). In 1949, Erlene married James Douglas Hall, Sr. (pre-deceased).  They had four children:  Donnie Jernigan, Doug Hall (Judy), Dede Laird (Robert), and Deanna Morrison. Erlene began a career with Walmart as a Customer Service representative at the age of ...

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Patricia Ann Thamm Gillikin, 88, passed away peacefully Friday, February 9, 2024, following an extended illness. She was born in Port Wentworth, Ga and was the daughter of Mercedes Mary  Edgerly and Otto Thamm Jr. and step daughter of Jerome Rogers “Pop” Templeton. Affectionately known as "Patty," she was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, Aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, friend and neighbor and will be incredibly missed by any and all that had the pleasure of meeting and knowing her. She adored her family and friends and always made sure they were well cared fo ...

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 Vincent Cordo, aged 71, passed peacefully in his home at The Landings on February 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dawn, his cherished daughter, Venessa, son-in-law, Doug, and grandsons, Douglas and Daniel and beloved son, Vincent, and daughter-in-law, Deanna Cordo, as well as his beloved granddaughters, Olivia, and Aria. Vincent leaves behind three brothers and is predeceased by two sisters and one brother. A longtime resident of Woodland Park, NJ, Vincent's dedication to his community was evident ...

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Joy Povec was born February 23, 1945, in Savannah, and passed away in Pooler February 7, 2024. She graduated from Robert W. Groves High School and Bolen Draughon Business College. After her marriage to Michael J. Povec, she lived in numerous states and held a variety of positions in the real estate field and was a technical writer for Lockheed-Martin during the Space Shuttle Program. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. She was very active member of the Chatham County Republican Party and in 2009 received the J.C. Lewis Outstanding Republican of the Year Award. She ser ...

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Francis McDonald (Mac) Oliver III passed away peacefully at home on February 6th after a short illness. Born and raised in Savannah, GA, he was the son of the late Colonel Francis Oliver and Corinne Stevens Johnson. After attending The University of Georgia where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, Mac moved to Atlanta where he met his wife, Miriam. He was a successful salesman representing many different textile lines including Sunbrella, and he and Miriam had many hobbies including field trial spaniels, Paso Fino horses, and they also spent a great deal of time at their cabi ...

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Patricia Hager Anderson, 84, died Tuesday morning, February 6th, 2024 due to extended illness. “Patty” was born January 14th, 1940, in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia to Marjorie DeWitt Boyd and William Carlton Hager. She graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong Junior College. She was employed at GeoVista Federal Credit Union for over 30 years, ending her career as Chief Operating Officer of Savannah Operations. While working, Patty was raising two beautiful daughters, Donna Smith and Melissa Stettler, with her husband, Leon “Arte” Anderson. Patty value ...

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James Mitchell Waters, Jr., 93, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, at Candler Hospital.  Mitchell was employed by Norfolk Southern Railroad as a Material’s Engineer.  He traveled the rails for ten years and retired in 1987 after being employed with the railroad for 32 years.  Mitchell was educated at Commercial High School, Benedictine Military School, Armstrong Jr. College, United States Military School, and the New York School of Interior Design.  He served as Warrant Officer and retired from the U.S. Reserve after nine years of service.  He was a hist ...

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William Sampson Stout, 96, died at the Marshes of Skidaway Island in Savanah, GA on February 5, 2024.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Stout of Plymouth, MA.  Born in Boston, he attended Deerfield Academy and Dartmouth College. Bill’s business career included sales for ALCOA, stockbroking for RW Pressprich & Co where he helped Ross Perot’s EDS go public and Dyflex Corp as a sales representative for North American Management Company.  He served in the Marines and was a Trustee of Brookline Savings Bank.  His legacies include the “new” ...

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William Bayfield III, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 4, 2024 at his home on Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family. Bill (a.k.a. Billy, Willow, Daddy, GeeDad, Dapper Duffer, the Meanest Man in the Valley) would be the first to say how grateful he was for his incredible life. The only child of Elizabeth Chandler Winstin and William Wyndham Bayfield, he was born and raised in Washington, D.C.. He attended the Landon School, Phillips Andover Academy, Yale University and the Wharton School of Business. Right out of graduate school, Bill began a career w ...

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Ruby-Ann Gallant, of Savannah, and formerly Dalton, GA passed away at home on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Ruby-Ann was born in Lenoir City, Tennessee on June 19, 1944, to parents Rev. Cliff Thomas, Sr., and Carolyn Moore Thomas. Both preceded their daughter in death. Ruby-Ann was musically inclined and played several instruments, including piano, acoustic and slide guitar, slide trombone proficiently. She grew up singing in church and loved the spotlight. One of her favorite memories was performing with the Tennessee Vols Marching Band her senior year in high school.  While there are ...

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It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Joseph “Peter” Brennan, who left us peacefully on February 4, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. He was born in Liberty, New York, on St. Patrick's Day 1943 to Helen Lowery Moynihan and Arthur James Brennan. Peter was an educator in New York City for almost thirty years working as a teacher of mathematics, a staff developer instructing teachers and administrators in using computers, and as a vice principal of administration for Tilden High School. Though a true Brooklynite at heart, Peter was charmed by the city of Savannah, ...

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Thomas Allen Gerrald, 87, died peacefully while surrounded by family on February 3, 2024. Just one day shy of his 88th birthday, "Allen" was born in Bulloch County, Georgia on February 4, 1936, to Dollie and Thomas Alvin Gerrald. After graduating from Brooklet High School, he was employed by Union Camp/International Paper in Savannah as an outside machinist for 46 years. Allen and his loving wife, Betty Gerrald, raised two wonderful children, Deborah Sands and Thomas A. Gerrald II. In his free time, Allen loved landscaping his yard with plants that he nurtured, but he was happiest wh ...

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Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr. loved God and loved people.  He was placed on the “cradle roll” at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, Ga, by his maternal grandmother the day after he was born and he worshipped Jesus at First Presbyterian Church of Savannah for most of seven decades.  He wisely served the church as a deacon, elder and Clerk of Session.  Arthur requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah. The person Arthur loved best in this world was his wife of 69 years Molly Barnhardt, whom he affec ...

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Lawrence Albert Carson, 77, passed away surrounded by his family, Saturday, February 3, 2024. He was born June 17, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Leo and Helen Setina Carson. He worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad for 38 years as a car inspector. Larry was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, while stationed in Germany as a helicopter mechanic he volunteered to go to Vietnam. He served there in 1966-1967 as a helicopter mechanic and a door gunner. He was a member of the local Savannah VVA Chapter 671, as well as the American Legion Post 135, where he was recognized as their veteran of the year for 1 ...

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