John Howard Pigott, age 98, of Savannah passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
John was born on November 11, 1927, in Charleston, South Carolina to the late John Elwood Pigott and the late Ethel Fulford Pigott. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy, having served aboard the Battleship North Carolina. Following his military service, he attended The Citadel and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He retired after a long career from the Mill Engineering Department of Union Camp Corporation’s Savannah Mill.
John was a long-time member of the former Whitefield United Methodist Church, where he held a number of leadership positions. Following closure of that congregation, he became a member of Grace Church of Savannah.
John was proud to be a Freemason, having joined Landrum Lodge in 1958, and he served as Master of the Lodge in 1972. He became a 32° Mason in the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Savannah in 1966, a Knight Commander in the Court of Honor in 1971, and 33° Inspector General Honorary in 1977. He later became a member of the York Rite, and served at various times as Eminent Commander, Illustrious Master and High Priest. He was a member of the York Rite College and Red Cross of Constantine. He was also a member of the Alee Shrine, where he served as Oriental Guide in the Ritualistic Divan for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Carl E. Pigott, and his nephew, Carl E. Pigott, Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 76 years, Betty Jeane Baxter Pigott; daughter & son-in-law, Carol Ann & Bill Palmer; son & daughter-in-law, John Howard Jr. & Janet Pigott; sister, Lola L. Pigott; two grandchildren, Emily Annette Pigott and Johnathon Reid Pigott (Hannah); nieces Susan Ahrens and Betty Pigott and nephews John E. Pigott and Dr. Ray S. Jeter.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Vickie Scott and the staff of Vickie’s Helping Hands, LLC for their care and support of John.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church of Savannah (6412 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406). Mr. Pigott will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church.
Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens (315 Greenwich Road, Savannah, GA 31404).
Pallbearers will be John E. Pigott, Reid Pigott, Dr. Ray S. Jeter, Johnie Lynes, Jr., John Snelling and Alan Barnes.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel (7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406).
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia (1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon, GA 31211).
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel.