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Charles Saye Obituary
A 1953 graduate of Athens High, Sonny went on to be a member and captain of the Georgia Bulldogs baseball team that would win SEC championships and beat Georgia Tech on a regular basis. The next 40 years, though, are what earned him titles like "All-Sports Coach."
Sonny began his coaching career in 1957 as the Oconee County High School girls' basketball coach. His role quickly expanded to include the boys' basketball team (along with the sub-varsity teams), the baseball team, the track teams, the golf team, the tennis teams, and even the school's first football team. Upon Sonny's departure from Oconee County in 1968, Lewis Grizzard, then sports writer for the Athens-Banner Herald, wrote, "Anything that has to do with Oconee County needs Sonny Saye close by to make it official."
From there, Sonny continued his career with Fulton County Schools at Sandy Springs , Campbell Fairburn, Palmetta, and finally, Milton. Those years, again, would reflect his love of sport and its players through the wide range of roles he took on as a coach in both boys' and girls' athletics, including basketball, baseball, football, track, tennis, softball, and golf. He also, of course, coached and inspired his own children in their athletic endeavors.
What began at Oconee and ended at Milton (where he met Marilyn, his wife of 30 years) remained forever a part of Sonny's heart. His competitive nature would continue, too; mostly on the golf course, sometimes in the stands, and often with a TV remote in hand.
His family, friends, and players have been touched, inspired, and so loved by him.
Sonny was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Saye and Ethel Richards Saye; and siblings, Richard Saye, Martha Malinowski, and Harry Saye.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn McQueeney Saye; daughter, Dottie (Jo Beth Weaver) Saye; son, Chuck (Michelle) Saye; step-sons, Mark (Caroline) and Scott McQueeney; and his beloved grandchildren, Malcolm, Schuyler, and Maya McQueeney. He is also survived by his children's mother, Ann W. Saye; brother-in-law, Frank Malinowski; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Saye; and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, at McDonald & Son Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, at the McDonald & Son Chapel. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Oconee Hill Cemetery, in Athens.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.mcdonaldandson.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.
Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming.
(770) 886-9899
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Saye
CRAIG
November 29, 2013
A BIG THANKS COACH AND DRIVERS ED TEACHER AT SSHS.
David Shamel
November 22, 2013
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Saye. He was an incredible human being, mentor and coach. I have such fond memories of him when my older brother was at Milton and when he coached me. Mrs. Saye and family, may god be with you during this difficult hour.
Rev. 21:3, 4 ~ Kim
November 19, 2013
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Joy Elder
November 16, 2013
During my High School years at Oconee County, Coach Sonny Saye was the only Coach we had. He coached every sport !! He worked hard and worked his teams hard, and they achieved much success! Coach Saye will always be remembered in the hearts of those who loved, respected, and admired him. May God's love, grace, and healing be with each family member and bring you to a place of Peace.
M. C.
November 15, 2013
I was very saddened to hear about the passing of coach Saye. May you find comfort in the promise found in Is. 25:8. May the God of all comfort be with you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
November 15, 2013
Marilyn, I was saddened to hear of Sonny's death. He was always so upbeat and pleasant to be around at Milton. God bless you and yours. Gwen Tindall
Linda Eslinger
November 14, 2013
Coach Saye was a great coach.Loved being one of his team members. Marylin, may God be with you and give you comfort.
Linda Kay Crowe Eslinger
kitty stanfield
November 13, 2013
Marilyn, you and the family are in thoughts and prayers. Kitty Stanfield
Matt Robbins
November 13, 2013
I'm saddened to hear of Coach Saye's passing. I enjoyed having him as our asst. golf coach at Milton. I'm blessed to have seen him two weeks ago; as always, he was looking forward to his next round of golf. My prayers are with Marilyn and the family.
Clifford Armstrong
November 13, 2013
I was one of the first blacks to intergrate Oconee County High School and played on the first football team to play there which coach Saye coached. Thanks for your mentoring,kindness and leadership that made me felt welcome and supported by all at the school. May God bless and keep his loving hands around your family in this time of sorrow.
Denise Jennings
November 13, 2013
What a special, kind, caring person Sonny was Marilyn. He touched so many lives. When I think of our days at Milton HS, I always remember him laughing and smiling. You and yours are in my prayers and thoughts.
November 13, 2013
Coach Saye was my first football coach in 8th grade at Sandy Springs High. Thanks for taking the time to coach a bunch of young kids how to play the game the right way. Blessings to the family for the great loss. Bruce Cagle, Sandy Springs.
Eg
November 12, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Carol (Crowe) Porterfield
November 12, 2013
I have such wonderful memories of my high school sports years. He loved his players and wanted the best for them. He will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched!
Oconee county
Pat Poole McLure
November 12, 2013
I remember Coach Saye as a great man and wonderful coach. He was loved by all at oconee county high school.
Shari Spokes
November 12, 2013
Marilyn, When I heard about Sonny's passing, I was flooded with so many memories of the "old days" at Milton. He was a bright spot in those memories and there is a place in my heart for both of you. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Cokey and Carol Elder
November 12, 2013
We remember Coach Saye as a great boys basketball coach at Oconee County High School. (Wish I had the opportunity to play on his team. He only coached boys in 1963 and 1964 at OCHS.) We were so looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion next year. He will definately be remembered there. God bless you and your family, especially now. What great memories we all have!
George Crawford
November 12, 2013
I knew Sonny through years of tennis at the Meadowgrove club in Marietta. He was a great teammate and formidable opponent. Julia and I are very sorry to hear of his passing.
Judson and Pat Huff
November 12, 2013
Marilyn, please know we are so sad to hear of Coach Saye's death. He was a part of a very special time in our lives at Oconee and will forever be remembered with respect and kindness. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
V Austin [ Roman 15: 4 ]
November 12, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
November 12, 2013
Few times in life we meet and spend time with someone like Sonny.He truly loved young people.I am glad me and my family were lucky enough to know him.Marilyn, thank you so much for bringing him to the Milton game.That meant the world to me.We have lost a good one.God bless you and your family. Jimmy Burson
Robbie Burton
November 12, 2013
I remember Sonny as the best umpire in the Athens Little League back in the 1960's and I remember one summer he worked at the downtown Y while Kelly was doing the bus trips. Sonny would organize softball games on hot, hot, hot days. It is hard to put into words how much fun those softball games were. And, last but not least, Sonny was one of the best softball players I ever saw. I used to watch him play in the city league at the old field at Clarke Junior High School. Remember how we used to watch the city league games on summer nights? Good, free entertainment.
November 12, 2013
Sandy Springs 8 th grade Football coach 1972
November 12, 2013
I was sorry to hear of Coach Saye's passing. He was a very kind person. He was my coach at Sandy Springs School Varsity Basketball my senior year and my brother's 8th grade football coach. He liked to coach and you could see the passion in his eyes. I respected and admired him. Thank you for caring about us. Steve Moore
Jim & Barbara Haight
November 12, 2013
Marilyn and family--Barb and I were so sad to learn of Sonny's passing. Sonny was a mentor, role model, and a true friend. I will never forget the things he taught me and I enjoyed watching your marriage "made in heaven." Please know that Barb and I are here if you ever need us and we will keep you in our prayers.
Noel Quentin
November 12, 2013
Sonny will be remembered and sorely missed by all former Milton colleagues. His humor and kindness brightened every day.
Deepest sympathy to Marilyn and family.
Noel Quentin
Stan Lee
November 12, 2013
Just wanted to let you know Coach Saye was not only a great coach but a great friend to me also. Still love ya coach. Go Warriors!!
American Heart Association
November 11, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
L.W. McDonald and Son Funeral Home
November 12, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Bob and Jo Ann Allen
November 11, 2013
We were so saddened to learn of the passing of Sonny and our heart and prayers go out to Marilyn and his family for their loss. He was a fine man and will certainly be sorely missed by all who knew him. May God Bless.
Jeanna Roper
November 11, 2013
My sympathy and condolences to the family, I remember Coach Saye very fondly in my memories from Milton. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Judy Shuler Young
November 11, 2013
I remember Sonny as a great coach at Milton and value a friendship that developed based on our common interest in the school and its sports teams, particularly girls basketball.
Susan Ivey Harmelin
November 11, 2013
Coach Saye taught me to drive 30 something years ago! We had fun catching those that were skipping at Dairy Queen! He was a great man! So sorry for your loss.
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