R.W. "Bubba" Zeigler

R. W. "Bubba" Zeigler, 95, of Savannah, died Friday, December 23, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital, after a short illness.
He was born in Sylvania, Ga., and was preceded in death by his parents, Julian Richard Zeigler and Virginia Brown Zeigler Nettles; brothers, Frank, Carroll and Joe Zeigler; half sisters, Ellen Z. Waters, Louise Z. Bazemore, Catherine Z. Russell and Margaret Zeigler; half brothers, Walter, James and Luther Zeigler. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sons in law, Mike Barthelmess and Danny Blue.
He attended Commercial High School until he was in the 11th Grade. At that time, he left school to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War II.FirstSgt Zeigler of the 30th Infantry was trained at Camp Croft, NC before being deployed to Europe. During his tour, he served as an inspiration to his associates displaying ingenuity, accuracy, efficiency, and devotion. Aiding in a dual capacity as an Intelligence Sgt and Operations Sgt, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal For his Meritorious Achievements. He served from 1942 - 1945 and toured France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.First Sgt. Zeigler was honorably discharged on Sept 30, 1945, at Fort McPherson, Georgia, the same place where he entered active duty three years earlier. He was awarded a Bronze Star (meritoriously), a European Service medal, with one Silver Star, and he is equally proud of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, which he was awarded. He earned them all fighting on the front lines in all the major European battles.
After his release from active duty, Bubba returned to Savannah, where he worked for Ericksons, Inc. for 50 years. He held a license as a Master Plumber and had a successful career as a superintendent. He then spent 10 years with Boaen Mechanical until final retirement in 2006.
An avid fisherman, Bubba enjoyed living on Burnside Island since 1952. He and his wife Adele of 70 years raised their large family enjoying life on the Vernon River.
In 1952, Bubba helped Found the Montgomery Athletic Association. Many years were enjoyed playing baseball and holding family functions at the community house.
He had previously served as a Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Teacher at Montgomery Presbyterian Church. Later he joined Calvary Baptist Temple for many years. He also attended Bible Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Adele Reynolds Zeigler, Savannah, Ga; 4 daughters, Linda Z. Blue, Cookie Z. Barthelmess, Janet Z. Clark (Bobby), all of Savannah, Ga; Angie Staiti (Joe) of Cumming, Ga; brother, Ben Zeigler (Patricia), Savannah, Ga; sister, Jean Z. Lowery, Harrison, Arkansas; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 6-8 pm Tuesday at Baker McCullough FH, Hubert C. Baker Chapel.

Funeral Services: 2 pm Wednesday at Bible Baptist Church with Dr. Herbert Hubbard and Rev. Tommy East officiating.

Internment will follow in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.

Remembrances: Missions Fund, in care of Bible Baptist Church, Savannah, GA.

Bubba will be taken to the church at 12 pm Wednesday to lie in state.

Paullbearers will be: Michael Barthelmess, Anthony Clark, Thomas Stainback, Steven Hendrix, Nick Staiti, Joseph Staiti, and Christopher Staiti.


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