Andrew G. "Andy" Labrot

Andrew "Andy" G. Labrot - SAVANNAH - Andrew "Andy" Gay Labrot, 77, of Savannah, Georgia, and Bluffton, South Carolina, husband of Marguerite "Rita" Wilford Labrot, died Monday morning, September 8, 2008, at Candler Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 24, 1931 to the late Sylvester Welch Labrot, Jr. and the late Elizabeth Gay Labrot. He was the youngest of three children. Andy attended The Lawrenceville School from which he graduated in 1949. He then matriculated at Yale University and graduated in 1953. After graduating from Yale, he served with distinction in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Army Tennis Team. While a member of the Army Tennis Team, he had the opportunity to play with tennis legends Maureen Connelly and Pancho Gonzales. Tennis was one of his many great joys, a game he was devoted to throughout his life. He co-founded the Chatham Tennis Club in Savannah and spearheaded bringing top-notch junior and men's tournament tennis to the Savannah area in the seventies and eighties. This was highlighted with Savannah hosting the National Junior Girls championships on several occasions which featured such future greats as Tracey Austin who won her first national title in Savannah. Andy moved to Savannah in 1956 where he became President and Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Wood Industries from which he retired in 1986. His interest in the timber industry led him to participate in many industry groups, the most notable of which were the American Wood Preservers Association, the American Wood Preservers Institute and the Southern Pressure Treaters Association. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the former Citizens and Southern Bank. His devotion to the community was marked by his continuous involvement in all aspects of Savannah's cultural life. He was the one of the founders and past presidents of the Chatham Club. He was twice president of the Telfair Museum of Art and was a life long trustee. He was a member and past president of the Savannah Benevolent Society and member of the board of directors of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Andy was also active as a member of the Savannah Golf Club, the Georgia Historical Society, Chatham Bible Study, the Oglethorpe Club, a trustee of the Savannah Country Day School and patron of Hilton Head Preparatory School. Andy was a loyal parishioner at St. John's Church. Andy had a true passion for the outdoors and all outdoor activities. One of his favorites was horse racing and he was an owner of several stakes winning horses. He also enjoyed his time sailing with his family. Another favorite hobby was fishing which he enjoyed with his friends and family. Andy is survived by his loving and devoted wife Rita of 28 years. They have three lovely children, William, Sarah and James. Andy also has three children by his previous marriage, Andrew, Elizabeth and Charles. The funeral service will be held at St. John's Church at 11 o'clock on Thursday, September 11, 2008 officiated by Father Gavin G. Dunbar. There will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the St. John's Church, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Savannah Morning News September 10, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .