Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kenneth Lee Tolbert Sr.
Kenneth Tolbert Obituary
Kenneth was born in Savannah on January 28, 1958, to Lillie Bell Butler Tolbert and Mike Tolbert.
He attended Mt. Zion Independent Methodist Church as a youth and later attended Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville, Ga.
He attended the public schools of Savannah and graduated in 1975 from Richard Arnold High School, Savannah, Ga. He played football and basketball while in school, but basketball had a special place in his heart.
Upon completion of high school, he entered the Air National Guard in Savannah, Ga.
As a youth, Kenneth loved dogs and that passion continued into his adult life. Kenneth also had a love for classic cars and trucks, which he enjoyed restoring.
He married Ellie J. Platts in June 1981 and traveled extensively with his family.
While his wife completed her military service, Kenneth held a number of positions as a civil service employee for the Department of The Army. He retired in 2016 with 30 years of service.
Kenneth had a few close friends that he greatly treasured and enjoyed spending time with. He was a loving and devoted husband, a caring and compassionate father, a trustworthy and dependable friend.
He left too soon, and he will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Bell Butler; a granddaughter, Jasmine Rinae Tolbert; and a grandson, Kenneth Lee Tolbert III.
He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Ellie Tolbert; a son, Kenneth Lee (Shanda) Tolbert Jr. of Jesup, Ga.; a daughter, Shameka (Dennis) Kirk of Woodbridge Va.; two sisters, Alice Acker and Sharon Atkins of Savannah; two special cousins, Charles Butler and Gwendolyn Baker of Savannah; six grandchildren, Amadika and Kendall Tolbert, Kali Robinson, Keyarra Gorsuch, Indiya and Isaiah Kirk; and one great-granddaughter, Zhavia Dixon; mother-in-law, Dottie J. Platts of Savannah; sister-in-law, Richardean Platts; brothers-in-law, James (Verna) Platts and Charles (Renee) Platts; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Coastal Courier
(Hinesville, Ga.)
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Sign the online guest book at coastalcourier.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Tolbert
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Tolbert's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Tolbert
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Tolbert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
