Stephen Dewayne Tootle II, 32, of Savannah, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of December 20, 2020. Stephen will forever be remembered by all who truly knew him for his giving heart and his ability to make instant friendships. He knew no stranger and he deeply cared for everyone he met. He found the good in everyone and everything. He was generous in a way that most can only strive to be. He had a heart of gold. Stephen loved his family above all.
Stephen was born on February 23, 1988, in Savannah, Georgia. His childhood was filled with fishing, hunting, sports (especially baseball), and many joyful times with family and friends. He graduated from Benedictine Military School in 2006 and the University of Georgia in 2010 with a degree in risk management and insurance. He then returned home to Savannah and worked as a commercial fisherman in the family's crabbing business.
Stephen battled addiction and would want everyone to know his story in the hope that he could save someone else from pain. He said many times that if he could not be healed of his addiction, that he wanted God to take him home. He was found by a pot of freshly brewed coffee and a slice of pecan pie. His family believes God heard his prayers and took him to peace. Stephen would want you to know that if you have a family member suffering, don't ever stop telling them that you care.
Stephen is survived by his selfless and loving parents, Stephen Dewayne and Paula Watts Tootle of Savannah; his four siblings, Brooke (Craig), Stephanie, Kyle (Anna), and Ben (fianc??, Lacy); his grandmother, Rose Tootle; his nephews, Cooper, Jackson, and Harrison; his niece, Livvie; godparents, Ben and Tina Blackston; adoring aunt, Judy Crawford, and innumerable loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam Tootle and William and Gloria Watts of Savannah; beloved uncle, Larry Crawford, and cousin, Aimee Schwartz.
We pray that Stephen is fully restored and watches over us today and always.
The family will receive friends from 3 until 4:30 Sunday afternoon, December 27, 2020, at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue with the Rosary at 4:30 in the funeral home chapel.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o'clock Monday morning, December 28, 2020, at St. James Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. James Catholic School ' 8412 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406-6135 or Benedictine Military School - 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406 or a charity of the donor's choice to help fight alcohol and drug addiction or childhood illness.