1940s

Charles L. Gruver Jr. (‘49), 97, passed away on February 16, 2024. Born in Savannah, he served in the U.S. Army and later earned a B.S. in Education from Georgia Southern University. He spent 20 years in education, ending as Chairman of the Clinch County Board of Education.

1950s

Barbara “Babs” Smith (‘52), 92, died peacefully on November 26, 2023. She earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University and taught for 30 years, ending her career at Russell Elementary School. She married Joseph Elarbee Smith in 1957.

Charlotte Blitch Minter (‘58), died on December 20, 2023. She earned a master’s in art history and taught at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, eventually becoming president of FCCJ’s North campus. Minter retired in 2000 and became active in northern New Mexico’s arts and cultural affairs.

Arthur M. Gignilliat Jr. (‘53), passed away on February 03, 2024. He had a 40-year career at Savannah Electric and Power Company, retiring as President and CEO, and served eight terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. Gignilliat was also a lieutenant colonel in the Georgia Army National Guard and served on the Georgia Ports Authority board.

Jennie Fay Morgan (‘58), 87, died on March 17, 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southern College and a master’s at the University of Georgia. Morgan worked as a teacher and retired from First District RESA.

Anson Stanley “Coach” Callaway (‘56), 88, died on May 10, 2024. A former athlete and referee, he officiated high school basketball for 28 years and carried the Olympic Torch in 1996. Callaway was honored by the State Senate for his contributions to Georgia’s youth.

Richard Ocy Flournoy, Sr. (‘59), 87, passed away on July 24, 2024. A graduate of Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University), he retired as a Lt. Col. from the National Guard and served as VP of Instruction at Altamaha Tech. Flournoy also earned a doctoral degree in vocational leadership from Georgia State University.

1960s

William Craig “Bill” Griffin Sr. (‘63), passed away on December 31, 2024. An NAIA All-American baseball player, Griffin played for the New York Yankees’ South Atlantic League. He later worked in industry and teaching, retiring from West Chatham Middle School.

Daniel Martin Broucek (‘66), died on February 23, 2024. An honor graduate and Eagle Scout, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and worked in various roles in the music industry. He returned to Statesboro in 2022 to be with family and friends.

Roy Edwin “Ed” Clarke Jr. (‘69), passed away on April 13, 2024. Clarke was an educator and coach, serving at Calvary Baptist Day School in Savannah. His passion for sports and education left a lasting impact on his students and players.

Julian I. Deal (‘69), 84, died on May 22, 2024. He was a CPA and led the Georgia Society of CPAs, serving as its president. Deal was deeply dedicated to Georgia Southern University, serving as chairman of both the academic and athletic foundations.

William J. Findley Jr. (‘63), passed away on May 27, 2024. He established and taught the Industrial Arts Program at Crisp County High School for 38 years. Findley also taught classes in the prison system.

Thomas C. “Tommy” Strickland Jr. (‘65), died on June 11, 2024. He owned Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes and served in the Georgia Air National Guard. Strickland was a member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #440 F & AM.

Brian Todd Blaich (‘68), passed away on June 27, 2024. An owner/appraiser with Appraisal South Associates, he was a passionate gun and car enthusiast. Blaich enjoyed stand-up comedy and was known for his lively spirit.

1970s

Daniel Page Rahn (‘70, ‘88), passed away on November 17, 2023. A writer, editor, and teacher, he wrote the “Rahn Around Sports” column and worked at the University of Georgia. Rahn was also a member of the Ogeechee Bassmasters Club.

Arthur Mitchell Collins (‘74), died on November 20, 2023. A lifelong resident of Statesboro, Collins sold boiled peanuts as a child and later led the rock band Critical Mass. He raised his siblings and had three children of his own.

John William Smith (‘73), passed away on December 18, 2023. A BBA graduate from Georgia Southern, he volunteered with pet therapy and Ogeechee Area Hospice. Smith loved working with pet therapy and children.

Julia Reagan Huckaby (‘72), died on January 11, 2024. A guidance counselor and author, she married Rod Huckaby and continued her career in Savannah. Huckaby was a mentor, artist, and gardener.

John Hixson Upchurch (‘74), died on January 15, 2024. A mechanical engineering graduate from Georgia Southern, he worked at Mingledorff’s. Upchurch retired in 2020 and became an avid outdoorsman and baker.

Philip Teasley “PT” Olbon (‘72), died on February 18, 2024. A U.S. Marine Corps Officer and Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer, he served in multiple roles for the Federal government. Olbon’s career spanned over 30 years in public service.

Jerry L. Tuttle (‘74), passed away on March 2, 2024. A history graduate from the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University, he served as a teacher and administrator in Georgia schools. Tuttle died following a sudden illness.

Robert Simmons “Sims” Lanier Jr. (‘74), died on April 2, 2024. A prominent trial attorney, he was a charter member of the Eta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Lanier zealously represented thousands of clients over 50 years.

Margaret Ogden Hardy (‘72, ‘73), passed away on May 9, 2022. She worked as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor in Savannah and sang globally with Savannah area churches. Hardy earned degrees from Georgia Southern University.

Samuel “Sam” Lester Brown (‘79), died on June 20, 2024. A U.S. Army officer and high school English teacher, he completed two tours after 9/11. Brown retired as a chaplain’s assistant with the 5th Special Forces Group.

Linda “Wendy” Susan East Delano (‘73, ‘80), passed away on June 29, 2024. An active volunteer at the Savannah/Chatham Humane Society, she taught in Cobb County Public School System. Delano was Simpson’s Administrative Assistant and Teacher of the Year.

Jack Randolph Harrell Jr. (‘78), died on July 13, 2024. A Business Management graduate, he grew Harrell’s business into a worldwide agronomic solutions producer. Harrell celebrated his 41st wedding anniversary in February 2024.

1980s

Edward Earl Galloway (‘87), died on December 12, 2023. An Army officer and electrical engineering graduate from Georgia Southern, he earned a Master’s Degree in Logistics Management. Galloway contributed significantly to Robins Air Force Base.

Angie Melaine Wainwright Williams (‘88), died on April 18, 2024. An IT Business Analyst, she worked for the Bulloch County School District. Williams enjoyed gardening, reading, camping, and spending time with family.

1990s

Dwight Van Tassell (‘92), died on January 11, 2024. A two-time U.S. Paralympian, he played standing volleyball in Atlanta and Sydney. Van Tassell studied recreation at Georgia Southern University.

Mary Eugenia “Genie” Mills Fulcher (‘94, ‘99), passed away on February 20, 2024. A registered nurse and educator, she authored textbooks with her husband. Fulcher earned her Master’s in Education and an Ed.D. from Georgia Southern.

Jacquelyn “Lynde” Johnson (‘94), died on May 11, 2024. A dedicated nurse, she worked in labor and delivery and mother-baby care. Johnson graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Nursing from Georgia Southern University.

Jeffrey Lee Laffoon (‘96), passed away on May 22, 2024. A health care administrator and talented musician, he worked for Health Corporation of America. Laffoon served as a pianist for churches and taught private music lessons.

Bobby Jackson White (‘94), died on June 22, 2024. He worked in banking and sales before becoming a political science instructor at Georgia Southern University. White was a football MVP in high school and an Army veteran.

Russell Lamar Saxon (‘99), died on August 17, 2023. An avid outdoorsman, Saxon loved paddling rivers and spending time with family and friends. He pursued education and lived a life full of adventures.

Sammy Scott Sander (‘95), passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2024. A Georgia Southern graduate with a B.S. in Biology, he earned summa cum laude honors as a Physician Assistant from the Medical College of Georgia. Sander practiced orthopedic surgery at Optim Orthopedics, was active in the medical care of Georgia Southern athletes, and enjoyed supporting local high school athletic teams.

Nancy Connor Gallaher (‘92, ‘94), died on September 21, 2022. A Special Education teacher, she worked at Sol C. Johnson High School for over 25 years. Gallaher later worked at Habersham School as a Teacher’s Aide.

2000s

Robin Halbert Hagan (‘03), passed away on September 22, 2023. An elementary school teacher, she earned her degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University. Hagan was a devoted Georgia Southern Eagles fan.

Jeanelle “Jennie” Phillips (‘04), died on November 7, 2023. A Child and Family Development graduate, she earned her LPN Degree at Augusta Technical College. Phillips was an avid fundraiser for Miracle Mile after being diagnosed with cancer.

Patrina Sharmaine Best (‘08), died on February 17, 2024. A standout swimmer at Georgia Southern, she became a registered nurse in the operating room. Best worked as a travel OR nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alisha Marie Diebold Goldbach (‘07, ‘14), passed away on May 8, 2024. An engineer, she earned degrees in science/physics and engineering from Georgia Southern University. Goldbach was known for her dedication to Junior League of Savannah.

Danielle Collins (‘07), died on June 17, 2024. An accounting graduate from Georgia Southern University, she explored law enforcement before returning to accounting. Collins was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

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Former Georgia Southern President Nick Henry

Nicolas L. Henry, Ph.D., the 10th president of Georgia Southern University, passed away on March 6, 2024.

Henry was a beloved president who served the second-longest term (1987-1998) at Georgia Southern, during which time he helped to transform the University into a regional force. During his administration, Georgia Southern was the fastest-growing university in the United States for seven years.

His most consequential achievement was leading Georgia Southern to achieve University status from the Board of Regents in 1990. That same year, he invited his friend Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to campus to speak at convocation, an event faculty and alumni recall as one of the most significant at the University.

His tenure was marked by national and international recognition for Georgia Southern. He supported efforts to establish the Smithsonian Institution and National Institutes of Health National Tick Collection at the University, which launched the University’s national reputation for research. He also established educational outreach centers, including the Center for Wildlife Education and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center — which paved the way for our bald eagle mascot, Freedom — and the Georgia Southern Botanic Garden.

In addition, Henry left a legacy of beauty at Georgia Southern. His landscape plan still drives the gorgeous flowers and greenery on campus today. Where trodden dirt paths once weaved through the campus, Henry initiated the Pedestrium, a beautiful brick walkway from the Russell Student Union to the Nursing and Education buildings. He also garnered $125 million in funding for new buildings and a standard architectural style for the University. It’s difficult to look around the Statesboro Campus without seeing his influence at work.

There is so much more that Nick accomplished in 11 years as president. He was an advocate for students, staff and faculty. He raised the bar for what a University president could do for the community, region and state. He will be sorely missed by all of Eagle Nation.

Margatene “Margie” Holland Pevey-Shuman, a loving and caring mother, wife, and friend passed away on February 7, 2024 at her home in Statesboro, Georgia surrounded by her loved ones. Throughout her life, Pevey-Shuman made significant contributions to her community and pursued various careers with passion and dedication. She worked as Director of the Georgia Southern Senior Companion Program, serving Bulloch and surrounding counties for over 20 years before her retirement. Pevey-Shuman’s commitment to this program left a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals in need.

In addition to her work with the Senior Companion Program, she worked as a bookkeeper for State Representative George Chance. Pevey-Shuman owned and operated several businesses that showcased her diverse talents. She was the proud owner of the Gilded Cage hair salon, where she worked as a skilled hairstylist and showcased her creative flair. Pevey-Shuman also successfully owned FTD Florist in Springfield along with businesses such as Bulloch Fertilizer, Portal Feed & Seed, and Springfield Farm Supply. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the success of these ventures.

George Hewett “Hew” Joiner Jr., Ph.D., died February 11, 2024. After attending schools in Albany, Georgia, he graduated with honors from Emory University in 1963, then attended Northwestern University for his Masters (1966) and Ph.D (1971) in Modern European History. In 1968, he joined the faculty at Georgia Southern College in the history department.  In 1981, Georgia Southern made the decision to launch an Honors Program and Joiner was selected as the founding director. He built the Bell Honors Program into a national model of honors education that focused on a cohort experience for a coterie of talented students taught in team-taught seminars by dedicated faculty. The Bell Honors Program was a transformative experience for its students, and Joiner remained a mentor and a valued friend to its graduates for the rest of his life.

He was also an active participant in honors organizations and served as president of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council, and the National Collegiate Honors Council. As a result of his lasting contributions to honors education, Joiner was named a Fellow of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 2013.

James Frank Repella, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, while holding the hand of his beloved wife, Jackie. Upon high school graduation at 17, Repella surprised his family and himself when he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing for Men in Philadelphia which offered full scholarships to increase the number of males in the profession. Jim’s healthcare career was interrupted by stateside US Army service during the Korean War.

Through the GI Bill, he subsequently gained a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in nursing at Temple University. This was followed by a dual master’s degree in psychiatric nursing and nursing administration at the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in higher education at the University of Pittsburgh. These degrees were earned while working full time as an educator and administrator and growing his family.

In 1976, looking to relocate to Georgia, Jim accepted the position of head of the Department of Nursing at Armstrong State College. In 1978, when the College of Health Professions was established, he was named the founding Dean. Upon his retirement from Armstrong in 2001, Dr. Repella was the second-longest tenured dean in the nation serving one institution. Under his 23-year leadership, the College of Health Professions became the second largest such college in the University System of Georgia and grew from offering two associate degree programs and one bachelor of science program to a collective 17 programs offering associate, bachelor of science and master of science degrees. In recognition of his many achievements, the Savannah Chapter of the Alpha Eta National Honor Society was renamed in his honor.