Danny Thomas Saturday, 68, passed away Friday evening, Aug. 20, 2021, at Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta, with his wife, Olivia (Pearson) by his side. His nine-month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer truly showed his will to live and determination to beat this terrible disease. Despite every obstacle and the continuous pain he endured, he remained a warrior, staying strong and positive… fighting to the very end.
Simple pleasures brought Danny great joy. He enjoyed spending time with Olivia, camping and relaxing at the beach. He didn't know a stranger and was loved by everyone. His vibrant personality was contagious. His smile, laughter and wittiness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
Life took Danny many places over his adventurous years. He was born in Statesboro on Aug. 17, 1953, to the late Frank Saturday and Betty (Farlow) Saturday. He lived in Camden County, in Florida on Amelia Island for numerous years and currently resided in Hahira (Lowndes County) with his wife.
Before graduating with the Camden County High School Class of 1971, Danny was employed at Gilman Kraft Bag Plant in St. Marys, where he was promoted over the years to safety director. As a general contractor, in Camden and Nassau counties, he built and developed many residential and commercial properties. His namesake development, Saturday Park, still remains in St. Marys.
He also served as Camden County coroner. His campaign slogan, just as he could, would bring a smile to your face: “I’ll Be the Last Man to Let You Down.” Up until his death, Danny was the director of operations at MIDS Transportation Inc. in Valdosta. After 20 years of employment, he will be greatly missed by his co-workers, clients and special friends/owners, Cooley and Debbie Hobdy.
In June of 2002, Danny was raised a master mason at Adel Lodge No. 310 F&AM and served as Worshipful Master in 2006. He was made a member of HASAN Shriners in December of 2002 and was a member of the Roadrunners Unit. He was a past member of the Cook County Shrine Club and was a member of the Tifton Shrine Club, where he previously served as secretary and vice president. Danny was also a member and past director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 159.
Danny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of eight years, Olivia (Pearson) Saturday; son, Danny T. Saturday Jr. of Amelia Island, Florida; his mother, Betty Saturday, his brother, Billy (Kimberly) Saturday, his sister, Kim (Jeff) Cook, all of Kingsland; his stepson, Taylor Sage Jennings of Charleston, South Carolina; several nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt. He is proceeded in death by his father, Frank Saturday, and brother, Randy Saturday.
Danny’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Harbor Worship Center, located at 140 Colerain Road in Kingsland. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by his memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Danny asked that donations be made in his memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o HASAN Shriners Transportation Fund, 1822 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701.