Earl Nathaniel Thrift

July 24, 1937 - February 13, 2022

Earl Nathaniel Thrift, age 84, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Earl was the son of the late Elmer and Neva Thrift. He was born in Waycross, Georgia but spent the majority of his life in Savannah, Georgia and graduated from Savannah High School. After graduation, Earl served his country in the Naval Reserve for several years. He went on to work for 44 years as a Welder, and retired from Union Camp Paper Mill, now known as International Paper. Earl enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf while shooting the breeze. He looked forward to his annual golfing trip to Santee. His willingness to help others led him to participate in eight hurricane relief organizations, five in the Gulf Coast and three in Charleston, South Carolina. He spent his time on those trips building and installing ramps for the disabled. Earl never met a stranger. He loved meeting new people. He always had something to say and could "spin a tale" with a great sense of humor. He was a great friend, and above all he was a wonderful father. Earl was a member of the COBRA Club; Old Timers Softball Association, which he was inducted into the Hall of Fame; Effingham County Fair Committee; Mary Calder Golf Course; United Methodist Church; an elder at White Bluff Presbyterian Church, and the Set Back Club; these card playing guys kept him going and thankfully put up with him. Earl is preceded in death by his daughters, Patricia Thrift Waters and Cheryl Diane Andrews; and his sister Jacqueline Diane White. He is survived by his children Pamela Salter (Arthur), of Savannah, GA, Kenneth Randall Thrift (Jennifer Dixon) of Savannah, GA, Earlene VanWinkle (William John) of Gainesville, FL, Rebecca Thrift Madden (Christopher) of Savannah, GA, Keith Thrift (Lesha) of Springfield, GA, Kelly Christina Brannen (Adam) of Springfield, GA; and Angela Mills of Savannah, GA; 19 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Deen (Charlie); and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Springfield United Methodist Church, 210 Cleveland St. Springfield, GA 31329. A memorial service will be held at the church directly after visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ken Morgan officiating. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice Savannah or Springfield United Methodist Church in Earl's name. https://www.hospicesavannah.org/give-2/donations/ https://springfieldgaumc.org/home