Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr. loved God and loved people. He was placed on the "cradle roll" at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, Ga, by his maternal grandmother the day after he was born and he worshipped Jesus at First Presbyterian Church of Savannah for most of seven decades. He wisely served the church as a deacon, elder and Clerk of Session. Arthur requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah.

The person Arthur loved best in this world was his wife of 69 years Molly Barnhardt, whom he affectionately called "the wind beneath my wings" and "the best roommate I ever had." He and Molly faithfully reared their children Triece and Matt and loved their spouses David Ziblut and Maggie Peterson as their own. Arthur and Molly thanked God daily for their six grandchildren and spouses Michelle (John Harvey), Elizabeth (Clay Zielinski), Mathew (Kali Weiland), Brooks (Jordan Kor), and Molly and Sophie Ziblut, as well as their eight great-grandchildren Daniel Harvey, El Harvey, Emilia Zielinski, Cora Zielinski, Garner Gignilliat, Owen Gignilliat, Lola Gignilliat and Sammy Gignilliat. After being received by Jesus in heaven, Arthur was likely welcomed next by his parents Dr. Arthur and Beth Gignilliat, his sister Betty Leland Downs, daughter-in-law Maggie, granddaughter Michelle, and a host of others in a joyful reunion.

Arthur used the leadership skills and compassion gifted to him by God in a number of ways to the benefit of his community, state and nation. He may be best known for his 40-year career at Savannah Electric and Power Company where he retired as President and CEO. He was also elected to eight terms in the Georgia House of Representatives where he served as Chairman of the University System of Georgia Committee. Arthur was appointed by different governors to the Board of Regents and the Georgia Ports Authority board and served terms as Chairman of each. He was a member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Olympic Games Authority and the Georgia Board of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

Locally, he served in leadership roles for the Savannah Economic Development Authority, United Way Campaign, Armstrong State College Foundation, and the Georgia International Maritime Trade Center Authority. He enjoyed relationships with other members of all those boards as well as the Bethesda Union Society, Exchange Club of Savannah, Rotary Club of Savannah and other charitable, civic and business groups. Arthur served 20 years in the Georgia Army National Guard retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a proud member of the Chatham Artillery and the Savannah Volunteer Guards.

Arthur was educated at Charles Ellis Elementary School, Richard Arnold Junior High and graduated from Savannah High School, class of 1950. He attended Armstrong Junior College where he played basketball and he graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Georgia Southern University.

His was a life well lived and full of love.

Visitation will be held from 9:30a.m. until 11:30a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in Stewart Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Avenue, Savannah, GA. A memorial service will follow at 11:45 a.m.in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church. A private burial will be held at a later date.

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