John Savage’s grandparents, Marcia and Jerry, tragically lost their lives during Hurricane Helene when a massive tree fell on their bedroom, killing them instantly. John went to check on them as the storm roared outside, only to hear a loud boom as the tree crashed onto their home. They were found hugging each other in bed, and the family believes it was God’s plan for them to pass together rather than one suffer without the other. They were among the more than 150 people who lost their lives in one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.
Jerry Savage, a jack of all trades but mainly an electrician and carpenter, was described as a hard worker who would go in and out of retirement because he got bored. His daughter, Tammy Estep, called him a doer and the hardest worker she knew. Marcia Savage, a retired bank teller, was active in her church community and known for her beautiful singing voice, particularly when singing gospel music. She loved cooking for her family, especially during Thanksgiving, where she was known for her delicious turkey and banana pudding.
The couple’s love and generosity were remembered by many who posted condolences on social media. They were described as kind, humble, and always willing to help others. John and Katherine Savage grew up spending many years in a trailer behind their grandparents’ house, creating cherished memories with the family. They had not experienced anything like the tree falling on their home during previous storms, as their home had been undamaged in the past. The house had been a gathering place for family during holidays and special occasions.
A GoFundMe page was organized to help cover the funeral expenses for Marcia and Jerry Savage, who are survived by their son, daughter, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Katherine Savage reflected on her grandparents’ willingness to help with her own children and how seeing them almost every day was a regular part of their lives. She had not yet told her children about their grandparents’ passing, as they were unsure of how to approach the topic. The couple had been married for over 50 years, with a love that was described as immediate and everlasting.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene resulted in dozens of deaths, with many victims losing their lives due to falling trees on homes or cars. South Carolina firefighters also tragically died when a tree fell on their truck during the storm. Communities across multiple states were battered by the storm, with homes flooded, mudslides occurring, and cell service being wiped out. Despite the destruction, the memory of Marcia and Jerry Savage as a loving and devoted couple who always put family first continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
