John Martin Seckinger, Sr. – GARDEN CITY – Mr. John "Shorty" Seckinger, 94, died peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2018.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Seckinger.

He was born in Effingham County, Georgia.  He moved to Garden City in 1950 where he lived the remainder of his life.

He was a faithful member Good Shepherd Lutheran church for 68 years.

John worked as a route salesman for Swift & Company for many years.  He later worked as a butcher at the L & A Grocery Store in Port Wentworth.  Everyone knew "Shorty", the smiling face behind the counter, and that he would greet them for who they were – his extended family.  He was a joy to the community, with a wonderful laugh and when his tickle-box got turned over it was absolutely contagious.

He served this country in the U. S. Army during World War II.  During his time in the Army he sailed to Incheon Korea and the Philippines.  He was a proud patriot and we honor him for his service and dedication.

John and Mary loved, cared for, spoiled, and cherished their grandchildren.   To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have already been paid.  And those pleasures and memories were priceless for Mary and John.

He loved to fish, but didn't like to eat them.  The "catch" gave him real joy but you could have the fish.   His close, faithful friend, Alan Thompson, accompanied him on many of those expeditions.  And later, when Johnny wasn't able to go fishing, Alan visited often so they could relive those precious memories together and share a laugh or two.  They turned to each other for consolation in time of trouble, and shared happiness in times of joy.

Debbie Bragg, his loving niece, adopted her Uncle Johnny as her own after her Dad, John's brother Hugh, passed away.  She took an active, loving role in making certain he was cared for.  He and Debbie had weekly adventures visiting his sister– Walmart, Sam's, and lunch out was a necessary part of that adventure.  They had the magic words for a great relationship – "I love you just the way you are."

He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Ann (Jerry) Grimes of Wilmington Island; son, Marty (Cindy) Seckinger of Guyton, GA, and three grandchildren, Kristin, Brooks, and Blake Seckinger of Savannah, GA., Cathy (John) Bryant of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Connor and Emmeline Purcell and numerous nephews and nieces, and many faithful friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to John's extended family, the Oaks staff for treating him like their own and to Hospice Savannah for their support in his final days.

The visitation will be on Friday, December 14 ^th , from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  The funeral will be on Saturday, December 15 ^th at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Pastor Dave Rasmusen and Pastor Ted Hodges will officiate in the absence of Pastor Susan Thisell.  Mr. Seckinger will lie in state from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Abbey West on Dean Forrest Road in Savannah, GA.  Pallbearers are Allen Thompson, Freddie Seckinger, Laverne Hodges, Carey Hodges, O'Neil Arnsdorff, Wayne Arnsdorff, Mike Bragg and Johnny Seckinger.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 41 Main Street, Garden City, GA  31408 or Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA  31416.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel –  (912) 748-2444