Archives for October 2024

Melissa Anne Granger (Mayo) Sellers, age 85, of Savannah, GA passed away Monday, October 28, 2024. Melissa was born on December 20, 1938, in Richmond Virginia.

She graduated from Henry Clay High School in Ashland, Virginia in 1956 and attended Westhampton College of the University of Richmond in Virginia.

She was an Associate Broker at Culver & DeLoach Real Estate (a/k/a) Sotheby’s from 1999 to 2010. She was the Broker/Owner of Sellers Real Estate from 1979 until her retirement in 2010.
She was a resident of Glynn County, Georgia from 1965 to 2020. In 2020, she moved to Chatham County, Georgia.

She was an accomplished pianist and recorded much of her music for others to enjoy. She was also an excellent seamstress and enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, and birdwatching.
She was a past member of the St. Simons United Methodist Church, St. Simons Coasters, Brunswick Kiwanis Club, and the Golden Isles Bridge Center.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her daughters Elizabeth Watts (Dennis), Savannah, GA and Laura Simpson (Russ), Savannah, GA; Grandsons, Lemuel Watts, Orlando, FL and Nathan
Watts, Savannah, GA; Sister-in-law, Katie Granger, Chiefland, FL; and a Special Stepson, Matthew Sellers (Kathy), Germantown, TN. She was predeceased by her parents Meredith Reid Granger, Sr. and Iva Mae Fullen Granger and her brother Meredith Reid Granger, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 9 th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cabana at Wilmington Plantation (700 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah, GA). Recordings of Melissa’s
piano music will be played during the service and afterwards at the reception. Burial will be private at Simpson Cemetery, Cochran, GA.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the charity of donor’s choice or to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, whose services in the last few weeks were invaluable to Melissa and her family.

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Louis Paul Kmiec of Savannah was born on June 4, 1971 to Louis and Robyn Kmiec in
Manasquan, New Jersey. On October 24, 2024, he unexpectedly passed away at home. Losing
his long battle with ALS. Louis, also known as ‘Angry Lou’, fought a tough battle and is now free.

‘Angry Lou’ joined the Navy right out of High School and served until he joined the Army, where
he became a part of 160th Special Operation Night Stalkers, NSDQ. Spending many years in
the army, he was always proud of his unit, his chinook, along with his military friends and family.

After his time in the service, he worked as a truck driver. Doing long haul so he could enjoy his
time on the open road. Louis enjoyed his family, listening to his music, drinking his rum,
watching movies and riding in his Jeep.

He is survived by his loving wife, April Kmiec. His two children, Abigail Johnson and Rayna
Kmiec. His siblings, Mandi Cerrone, Stacy Berry, and Shayne Kmiec. Many nieces, nephews,
cousins, and so many friends he called family.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Lou’s aid, Malaki Keith, who became a part
of the family during Lou’s battle with ALS.

In honor of Louis, we invite you to join us for a celebration of his life on November 16, 2024 at
2pm at the vestry at Grace Methodist Church. 6412 Waters Ave. Savannah GA, 31419. Your
presence would be greatly appreciated as we remember and celebrate his life.

The memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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Robert Bert Hardee, of Ellabell,  was born on July 2, 1953 to Sally May White and Russell Bert Hardee in Chico, TX. On October 24, 2024 Mr. Robert Hardee went to be with the Lord. Awaiting his heaven arrival his mother Sally White, father Russell Hardee and brother Paul, Bill, Buster, and Charles.

He will be most remembered by being under the hood of a car or sneaking a ride on his motorcycle. He loved all with open arms.

He leaves to cherish 7 children, Robbie, Kenny, Jessica, Kathy, Peggy, Crystal, Johnny Joe, and two step children Justin and Anita. His children lived all over from Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas. His brother James Gray. Aunt Lucy Hamm and Aunt Randy Marie. He has many grand children and great grand children.

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Rev. Ervin Devero Smith, 87, of Ellabell, GA, died on October 28, 2024. He was at home with
his family, and although his death was unexpected, his transition was peaceful. Born in
Americus, GA, he was the son of Carlos D. and Elizabeth (Thigpen) Smith. Ervin graduated
from Savannah High School. Following high school, he pursued a dual vocation in ministry and
law. He served in the Army National Guard and held the position of chaplain for the American
Legion for many years.

In 1974,  he married the love of his life, Gloria. Their life together was marked by a deep union of
love and compassion for others, as they ministered to numerous congregations throughout the
surrounding area.

Ervin life’s work was dedicated to bringing the gospel of Jesus to all he encountered. He was
saved as a young boy, and upon receiving the call to the ministry, he devoted himself to it
wholeheartedly. After retiring from full-time ministry in 2013, he began working with Truckstop
Ministries, continuing to serve the Lord and others through that ministry until his death.
A member of the Masonic Order for over 65 years, Ervin was also affiliated with the York Rite
and the Scottish Rite for more than 50 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, C. B. Smith, and his sister, Lottie Lariscy. He is
survived by his wife, Gloria; son, Carlos and grandson, Connor; daughter, Rachel Levan and her
husband, Joe; along with many nieces and nephews.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Families
First Funeral Care and Chapel, located at 1328 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah, GA 31405. A
viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, located at 1 St, Meldrim, GA 31318.

Those who wish to remember Ervin in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Truckstop
Ministries at truckstopministries.org/how-you-can-help. You can also text the keyword “Truckers”
to 73256 to receive a link for mobile giving.

The family would like to give a recommendation for floral pieces and plants to be purchased at
Johnson’s Florist & Balloon Co. 912-920-4644.

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Marie Elena Wright-Bartley was born in Savannah, Georgia on August 3, 1959 to Shirley Ann Tremble and Noel Owen Wright Sr. In 1972 at the age of 13, Marie and family moved to Heidelberg Germany as a military brat where she attended Heidelberg Elementary-Junior High School. During her time at Heidelberg school she joined the Heidelberg Teen Club, played basketball and the swim team. At the age of 15 years old Marie and family moved back to the United States to reside in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. At the beautiful age of 17 years old Marie was married. During her time in the states Marie was a life-guard during the summer and attended A.E. Beach High school where she played basketball and graduated class of 1977.

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