John Deal Biggerstaff

John Deal Biggerstaff, age 88, passed away on November 9, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.



John was born July 1, 1936 to the late Orel Wae and Leona Melton Biggerstaff in Rutherfordton, NC. He graduated from Walter Williams High School, Burlington, NC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Elon College followed by a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later continued his education at the U.S. Army Command and Staff College.



While in graduate school, John met the love of his life, Bertha Jo Bowles of Winston-Salem, NC. They married on October 15, 1961 at Knollwood Baptist Church. John and Bertha shared an extraordinary love for one another and with this foundation raised their two daughters. John adored his two grandchildren, who lovingly called him “DeDe,” and enjoyed spending time with them whether playing board games at home or attending their extracurricular activities.



John’s dynamic character impacted many lives for the better during his career in which he served at the Elon Children’s Home and later in Savannah as Executive Director of Parent and Child Development Services. John entered the field of real estate in 1983 and remained active for twenty years as a broker and agent in commercial and residential sales.



A true patriot, John served his country for nearly 40 years, first as a U.S. Navy Hospitalman and, primarily, in the U.S. Army Reserves, employing his natural gifts for leadership and management. He served in many staff positions as well as three tours as Battalion or Hospital Commander, both Active Duty and Reserve. He traveled in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States visiting, managing, and evaluating units. John participated in the Operation Desert Shield/Storm conflict and retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel.



John lived out his Christian faith daily and was a member of Grace Church of Savannah/Grace United Methodist Church for 57 years. An avid Sunday School teacher, he brought his engaging lessons to life through his dynamic teaching style and illustrative visual aids. He was active in the Methodist Men’s Group, served as Chairman of the Grace UMC Board and on many church committees.



For his service, John was awarded the Military Legion of Merit and other commendations including the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He was a Leadership Savannah participant and was active in the Rotary Club, United Way and other civic interests. His personal avocations included Bible study, sketching, and cooking.



John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bertha Biggerstaff; daughters Lee Anne Biggerstaff Martin (Richard) and Kerri Celeste Biggerstaff; brother Frank Biggerstaff (Judy); grandchildren Richard Gage Martin and Aoife Anne Martin; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, James Biggerstaff.



Services will be held Saturday November 16, 2024 at Grace Church of Savannah, 6412 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA, 31406 with visitation at 12:30pm followed by a memorial at 1:30pm. A graveside service will take place at 3:00pm at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery, 1336 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31405. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org.



Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Hodgson Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA, 31406. (912)927-1999. www.bakermccullough.com.