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Richard Chambless Obituary

Richard Alexander Chambless - SAVANNAH - Richard Alexander Chambless, 59, died Sunday, December 14 after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by the woman who loved him, Swann Seiler and her family, in addition to countless friends, colleagues and clients who benefitted from his loyalty, generosity and kindness. Born in Savannah, Richard attended Armstrong University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was President of Host South, Inc., a company he founded over 30 years ago which specializes in event production and management in Savannah and the southeast. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rubyen Martin Chambless, Sr. and Irene West Chambless. He also leaves behind three brothers and their families, Martin, David and Michael. During the final months of his life, Richard was cared for by his longtime friend Dr. David J. Gaskin. A celebration of his life will be held at The Hyatt Regency Savannah on Thursday, December 18 at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the organizations Richard devotedly supported; Senior Citizens, Inc. Meals on Wheels Program, 3025 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31405; The Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire, 4710 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404 or The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, P.O. Box 1922, Savannah, GA 31402. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News December 17, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Savannah Morning News from Dec. 16 to Dec. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Chambless

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Teresa Greiner (Nolan)

April 12, 2025

So sorry Richard to just see this today. You are so very missed. Working with you during the Olympic Torch Relay in 1996 made the entire experience surreal. Your kindness, your hospitality and generosity along with your advice on life. You are missed so very much by many. I hope that you are having a lovely dinner with Frankie and a few drinks too. Save a seat for me.....

Mike Flanagan

May 5, 2015

There was never a better fraternity brother as Richard Chambless. He was loyal friend and a great leader for our chapter at Pi Kappa Phi He was allays there in the good times and the bad times.Never back down from any opponent.He was kind and very generous to those in need. Rest well my friend.My captain My captain

Jenny Koch

February 12, 2015

I am so very saddened to learn today that Richard passed away in December. I had the pleasure of meeting Richard 15 years ago when planning my first event which was a success only because of what he knew to do. Over the years of working with Richard, he shared his love for the Seniors in our area and supported, sponsored and guided me so I could offer free health screenings to hundreds of Seniors every year! God Blessed us all in knowing Richard! My deepest sympathy for your loss.

December 21, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Richard's family. We developed a wonderful rapport when I discovered his expertise with event planning. Had it not been for Richard the many, many magnificent Savannah State University Coronations from 1994 until 2002 would not have been possible. He was a master craftsman and a shrewd businessman. I really enjoyed "negotiating" cost for the event with him. I will miss him for his spirit and personality and Savannah will miss him even more. Gone too soon!

December 18, 2014

Swann and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Richard. I knew you both many years ago before you were together, and know you have lots of support. My sympathy for your loss, Jane Peebles

Pamela Perry

December 18, 2014

I worked with Richard about 20 years ago in the tourism industry. We always had a good time with his perfectionist ways but a true professional. Prayers and condolences to the family.

Deborah Hamilton

December 18, 2014

Dear Swann,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Such a sad loss for you. I hope that the memories of your good times together will be of some solace .
Deborah Stevens Hamilton - Blacksburg , VA

Jennifer Marsik Friess

December 18, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss.

Eileen Baker

December 18, 2014

I worked with Richard on many events for the past 20 years, he never failed to be the glue that held everything together. I will miss him, his dedication and his gift of gab!

Carol Hall

December 18, 2014

So saddened to hear this and my sincere thoughts and prayers go to Swann and his family! I worked with Richard many years ago during my time at the Desoto Hilton and he was so awesome to work with and became a friend to all of us! He truly helped bring hospitality & tourism to the high level it is now in Savannah!

Kelly Duch

December 17, 2014

I was honored to have known such a wonderful person. Rest in Peace.

Linda Rutherford

December 17, 2014

Mike, May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.

Cynthia Creighton-Jones

December 17, 2014

Our deepest condolences to Swann and the Chambless family. Richard will be missed.

Tinka Smith

December 17, 2014

Leonard and I are so sorry to hear of Richards passing. I worked for him for about 8 years.. quite a character. You will be missed

Marla Szczepaniec

December 17, 2014

So sad to hear, prayers for the family!
Marla Szczepaniec

December 17, 2014

We are so saddened to learn of Richard's death. Our sympathies to you. Uncle U. I. West and Pat West.

Michael Gaster

December 17, 2014

Although our relationship was professional, I will sincerely miss his personal take on things and his dry humor. A pleasure to work with, he was a perfectionist who sincerely cared about what he did and gave every effort to help others.

RIP Richard

Brianne Yontz

December 17, 2014

So very sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Heaven just gained one heck of an event manager. Heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends.

Parker Middleton

December 17, 2014

Dear, dear Swann and family -- You and yours are in our hearts. So many good times should have been ahead for you and Richard. We are so sorry. With love, Parker and Kent

December 16, 2014

Pam and I are deeply sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We knew him at Armstrong, and worked with him from time to time at the Civic Center. He was a kind and generous person. Our condolences to his family.

Celeta & Ham Arden

December 16, 2014

We will miss Richard on our trips to Savannah and know that he is going to be missed by all who loved him. We are holding Swann close in our thoughts and prayers.

Cathy and Mitchell Hill

December 16, 2014

Richard was a delightful man who always made sure that you received first class treatment! Whether he was presenting a special event or attending with friends he worked to insure that you had a wonderful experience! I rest assured that he has been graciously welcomed into his heavenly home!

Donna Samford

December 16, 2014

My sincere sympathies to Richard's family and friends. I am a high school classmate who had not seen Richard between high school and our 40th class reunion in September of 2013. In keeping with the sentiments of others leaving a note, Richard stepped in on short notice and provided both essentials and details that helped us pull off a wonderful reunion weekend. I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to know Richard after high school but am grateful for the opportunity to connect with him again last year. May God's peace bring comfort and strength to his family and friends as they mourn his loss. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord!

December 16, 2014

Dear Swann,
You and Richard's family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Carolyn Emerick

December 16, 2014

This man made a huge contribution to the well being of Savannah for decades. His behind the scenes no nonsense generosity to the non profit world is legendary. I did not know Richard as well as I would have liked, but I know that we are better for his having been with us. He leaves us too soon. May peace gradually come all who love him.

December 16, 2014

Richard was a GOOD Man. He contributed enormously to the growing tourism product when it was in its infancy. He will be missed. Joan Sumner

Mark Howard

December 16, 2014

Richard was truly one of the most generous, kind, and giving people I have ever met in my life. I am saddened beyond words.

December 16, 2014

It was about a year ago that Richard joined us along with other family members at the foot of his brother Michael's hospital bed following a tragic auto accident. Richard did his best to give Kim, Michael's wife, the support she so much needed at that time. Even I gained strength with those big bear hugs which was his usual greeting. Words didn't seem important.

It is difficult to grasp that he is gone. We are thankful he had a loving companion, Swann, in his life and wish to give our special condolences to her.

With deepest sympathy,
Linda and Andy Johnson (Kim's mom and stepfather)

Robin Lewis

December 16, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Swann and Richard's family. I will miss bantering with him about politics and health care! I am so sorry that I cannot attend the celebration of life for him Thursday. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

Meyer "Matza Ball" Greenberg

December 16, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Chambless FamilyFamily in your loss. I will also miss my Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brother. So sad for your loss of a dear friend and all around great man

John Kraft

December 16, 2014

When I was in Savannah, if you had an event, and wanted it done right, you called Richard and Host South. Richard became a good friend to our company and staff. Richard's loss is a loss not only for those who knew and loved him, but for Savannah as well.

Patrick and Katrina Bullard

December 16, 2014

Richard was one of the the kindest, funniest and honorable men we've ever met. He always answered our calls and would was quick to offer advice (which generally ended with a punchline). Richard has helped shape many of us as people, businessmen and businesswomen as we climbed the ranks of the hospitality business. Savannah has lost one of it's truly great son's and he will be missed. Rest in peace Richard and thanks for being our friend.

Joan & Gary Levy

December 16, 2014

His loss is a loss for all of us who knew him, even casually. Always a bright light in our Tourism industry...he will be greatly missed!

Diane and Randy Brannen

December 16, 2014

Richard Chambless was an intelligent, kind, and deeply caring man who extended those same qualities into every facet of his life. He was our most trustworthy and loyal business associate for over 25 years. Richard's tireless work in Savannah's fledgling tourism industry many years ago left an indelible mark, an enduring legacy, and laid the groundwork for Savannah's thriving tourism industry today.

Our deepest condolences go out to Richard's three brothers and other family members.
We wish to extend a special THANK YOU to Swann Seiler for her love, devotion and support to this incredible man.
May God Bless You!

Kindest Regards,

December 16, 2014

A very caring man. Richard you will be missed and hope you rest peacefully.
Clifford Meads

Rick Lott

December 16, 2014

I'm going to miss Richard. He always gave more than was required. He loved Savannah and was a big part of making it a fun place to live and work.

Jack Lanier

December 16, 2014

Richard's passing has left me with sadness and a great sense of loss. I'm sure many in the community share my sentiments. Richard's production company provided top drawer extravaganzas for thousands of people through the years. To say Richard was an artist would be an understatement. Richard often clashed with clients over his professionalism with the end result being nothing short of fabulous. Richard's greatest legacy however was his respect for the people working behind the scenes. I worked with Richard for almost two decades and his presence will be sorely missed.

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Memorial Events
for Richard Chambless

Dec

18

Celebration of Life

9:00 a.m.

The Hyatt Regency Savannah

GA

Funeral services provided by:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors - Hodgson Chapel

7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406

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