Albert Earl Klein, Sr. of Savannah GA, age 97, entered eternal rest May 17, 2022. He was born in Mount Pleasant, SC to the late Edward and Edna Earl Klein.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ethel Klein (2018.) He was also preceded by his son, Fred Klein, granddaughter, Jennifer Klein, brother, Edward Klein and sister, Julia Fuzia. He was a communicant of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Al graduated from Moultrie SC High School, where he was a football and track star hero. He raced sailing vessels up and down the east coast as a teenager. Al's love for fishing, shrimping, crabbing & boating spanned his entire life.  (His mission was to catch every shrimp, crab and as many flounder as he could within a 50-mile radius.) He knitted his own cast & drop nets his entire life and was an accomplished handline fisherman. His love for the water, fishing and adventures carried over to his son, Al, grandson Bert and great-grandson, Jacob.

In August 1944 he enlisted in the Army and trained at Fort Bragg, NC.  He served in the 20 ^th AF Rescue Boat Detachment as a small boat operator in Guam during the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received several decorations and citations during his service and ended his term with an honorable discharge as a Sergeant in November 1946.

He returned home to Mt . Pleasant and completed his education at the Medical College of Charleston with a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.  He began a successful career spanning the southeast for over 60 years.  He worked with several companies and obtained his GA pharmacy licensure and then made Savannah, GA his home. He opened the first drugstore in Pooler, GA and owned several businesses. For over 30 years he was known as Pooler's "Dr. Klein".   He spent many years as a manager and pharmacist of drugstore franchises.

After trying to retire a few times, he finally succeeded. He and Ethel traveled extensively. Even after 62 years of marriage—they enjoyed the next adventure.  They traveled to Europe and made several lifelong friends along the way. After some international trips they finally got serious and bought a camper and hit the road!  Alaska was a favorite location – they visited 3 times as well as trips across the United States and Canada. (Their sense of adventure never ended!)

He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing his own vegetables. When he turned in his car keys at age 92—he replaced his car with a 3-wheel bike. He would ride 5 miles to Home Depot or the grocery store. When the bike riding stopped, he loved watching the boats on the river and wanted to head out fishing or sailing.  He was always looking forward to his next trip!

Survivors include his sister, Mary Ankersen of Charleston, SC ;  sons, Albert E. Klein, Jr. (Cheryl) of Savannah, GA; Robert Klein  ( Lynn) , of Augusta, GA; Jack Klein of Claxton GA (Ivy Brinson); daughter, Peggy Pomykala;  daughter-in-law, Dee Klein;  grandchildren, Bert Klein (Sally), Lori Klein, Crystal Norris (Scott), Donnie Pomykala, Andrew Pomykala, Jessica Thieman (Dan), Raven Klein, Amber Temple (Zach),  Emily Klein, Kevin Klein,  Carson Klein and Christina McGinness; great-grandchildren, Luke and Abigail Klein, William and Sarah Norris, Jacob and Olivia Amato,  Madison Thieman, Sam Temple, Elizabeth, Shawn, Ashley and Taylor Aslyn and Carlyle McGinness; a number of nieces and nephews. Special fondness and appreciation to his (godson) nephew and wife, Dr. Richard and Emily Fuzia of Greenville, SC.

A private family service will be held and a celebration of his life at a later date.

Remembrances may be given to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA  31416

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – 901 W Hwy 80 Pooler -      West Chatham Chapel (912) 748-2444.