Earl D. Saville

Earl D. Saville, 92, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, December 23rd, several days after suffering a heart attack.  Earl finished life like he lived it; hosting Christmas dinner for his family of 20 before leaving for the hospital.  At 92, he kept remarkably fit by walking a mile early every morning and playing ping pong and horse shoes with men thirty years his junior.  In October, he won gold medals in Georgia's Senior Olympics for both sports.  He was the two-time President of the LaVista Lions Club, recognized for the Melvin Jones Award, the Lion's highest award as well as the Tom Bingham Fellowship Award, the highest Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation award.  Earl was also well known for organizing the Lions semi-annual barbeques for years.  Earl was a committed Christian, serving as an Elder at Clairmont Presbyterian Church for over 48 years.  He organized their semi-annual golf tournament for many years.  Earl was an insurance adjuster for 52 years with GAB and served in the U. S. Army during WWII.  Earl was preceded in death by Mary Tuggle Saville, his wonderful wife of 57 years.  He is survived by his three sons, Dean (wife Ansley), Billy (wife Michele), and Bobby (wife Diane); ten grandchildren; a great granddaughter; and his most cherished friend, Mae Burden.  The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5 to 7 PM at A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur or immediately after the service at the church.  Memorial services will be held on Monday at 1:30 PM at Clairmont Presbyterian Church in Decatur.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, 1775 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 300033.  Arrangements by A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA (404) 292-1551. www.asturner.com