John Gregory "Greg" Sutlive

John Gregory "Greg" Sutlive, 69, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025. Born in Savannah, Georgia, on November 20, 1956, Greg was the son of William Kirkland Sutlive Jr. and Anne Prescott Sutlive, who instilled in him the values of kindness, curiosity, and hard work that would define his life.

Greg grew up in Atlanta and later attended St. Pius X High School, where he lettered in both football and golf. A gifted athlete, he captured the 1972 Atlanta Athletic Club Junior Men's Championship by an unforgettable nine strokes-a feat whose margin of victory only grew in legend with each of Greg's characteristically vibrant retellings.

He went on to attend the University of Georgia from 1976 to 1981, where he found three lifelong loyalties: his beloved Georgia Bulldogs, the brotherhood of the Kappa Alpha Order, and the field of Marketing. He often joked that these passions were prioritized in exactly that order.

In 1982, Greg embarked on a 41-year career in the paper and packaging industry, proudly following in his father's footsteps. Along the journey, he met his cherished wife Stephanie while working for the Mead Paper Company in Columbus, Georgia. Greg's career took the family from Atlanta to Columbus for 14 years, where they raised their children, and to Savannah in 2006. Greg continued his hard work and remained a committed leader and advisor in the field of corrugated, paper, and plastics, respected by colleagues for his integrity, insight, and ability to form meaningful connections with everyone he encountered.

Once in Savannah, Greg channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into real estate ventures and passion projects with close friends, also known as the MAFATUA. In 2006, the group opened the Bonna Bella Yacht Club-described by the Savannah Morning News as a lively, history-soaked gathering place that didn't take the word "yacht" too seriously.

A natural storyteller, Greg had the rare ability to command a room with a single line. His deep, resonant voice-wrapped in a gentle Savannah drawl-made every tale feel larger than life. He loved golf, time on the water, tennis, business ventures, great movies, and an even better story. Above all, Greg loved people: their ideas, their ambitions, and their company.

But nothing compared to the love he held for his family. His beloved wife, Stephanie; his children, Maggie and Kirk; and especially his grandchildren, Grayson and Caroline, were the center of his world. Those close to Greg witnessed how conversations once filled with football scores or political debates were joyfully overtaken by photos, stories, and awe-filled reflections on his granddaughters. His love for them knew no bounds.

Greg cherished his friendships, spending countless hours sailing aboard The Mystic through the backwaters of Savannah and Hilton Head. His connections drove his amazing talent to talk on the phone for hours, loving to stay connected with his friends and family from near and far. Those calls will surely be missed by all who loved him.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, William Kirkland Sutlive Jr. and Anne Prescott Sutlive, as well as his brother William "Kirk" Sutlive III.

He is survived by his devoted wife of forty years, Stephanie; his children, Maggie Sutlive Stone (Tim) of Atlanta and Kirk Sutlive (Marisa) of Bluffton; his grandchildren, Grayson and Caroline; his siblings Karen Oliver (John), Maureen Taylor (Mike), Maryann Sutlive, and Barry Sutlive (Scarlett); and numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Greg lived boldly, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of joy, generosity, and unforgettable stories. His impact will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew him.

He was a "DAMN GOOD DAWG".

Details on a Celebration of Life to follow.