SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Edward “Don” Ogle, 69, of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Melba Smoak Ogle, died Saturday afternoon, February 19, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his family and friends and under the care of Hospice Savannah.

Born in Newport, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Edert Brownlow Ogle and the late Anna Arood Ogle. Don was a member of Isle of Hope Baptist Church where he was a member of the Young Couples Sunday School Class. Until his health prevented him Don taught Junior Boys and RA’s at his church. He retired from the Georgia Army National Guard on September 11, 2001, after 20 years of service. Don was the owner and instructor of the first karate school in Savannah. He earned his 5th Degree Black Belt. Don received the President’s Award for teaching dyslexic children the art of karate. He earned his Masters of Science degree in occupational safety and health from Ashwood University. Don owned and operated Georgia Industrial Safety Academy. He was the recipient of many awards for excellent projects related to occupational safety and health. He was a former member of the Exchange Club, Rotary Club and the Lions Club. “Pepa”, as he was known to his family, was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who loved his grandchildren, fishing, and the outdoors.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Melba Smoak Ogle of Savannah, Georgia; his daughter, Lisa Ogle Arnold and her husband, Dewayne, of Savannah, Georgia; three grandchildren, Siera Ainsley McPhee, Gavin Connor McPhee and Gabrielle “Gabby” Melise Arnold; one brother, E. R. “Buddy” Ogle and his wife, Mary, of Savannah, Georgia, and three nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Tuesday at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue.

The funeral service will be held at 7 o'clock Tuesday evening in the chapel of Gamble Funeral Service conducted by Pastor William Miller, Jr.  Interment will be private.