A Life Story

Stephen Russell Yekel, a lifetime Georgia resident, tragically left us on the last day of 2024, at the age of 74.Steve was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 11th, 1950.? He was raised in Atlanta and attended Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Ga before transferring to his beloved Auburn University in 1971. It was there that he became a brother in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1973. After graduating from Auburn, he pursued a Law degree from Atlanta Law school while working as a Special Agent and Investigator for the State of Georgia. In 1976 Steve was admitted to The Federal District Court of Northern Georgia, The Supreme Court of Georgia, and The Court of Appeals of Georgia. Upon passing the Georgia Bar Exam in 1976, he moved to Savannah, Ga and became a Chatham County Assistant District Attorney. ?After serving his community for 3 years, he opened his own private practice in 1980, where he was death-penalty certified. During this time, he also served as Judge Pro Tem for Recorder's Court from 1993-2005, and the Judge Pro Tem for Juvenile Court from 2000-2005. Additionally, he worked as Legal Counsel for Savannah's Mayor in 1995. In 2005 he left private practice to become the Chief Conflict Defender for the State of Georgia in the Southeast region, covering 32 counties and a large portion of the state. He honorably represented his clients in over 500 cases over 17 years. ? Steve achieved his lifelong dream when he was elected as a State Court Judge by the citizens of Effingham County in 2022.? This was the pinnacle of his 50-year professional career and was no doubt his proudest time.Steve was an active member of his local community as a member of the Islands Jaycee's on Wilmington Island, where he served as President for a time.? For a number of years, he also served on the board of The Coastal Center for Developmental Services, whose mission is to empower those with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives.? He was a member of the Savannah Auburn Club where he also proudly served as president.? In 2001, he became a resident of Effingham County, where he continued to give back to the community, working with Effingham Heroes, a volunteer organization with the purpose of providing support to the county's first responders.In all these years, Steve was a hardworking and dependable friend, coach, colleague, teammate, advocate, and mentor to countless citizens of Southeastern Georgia and beyond. Our hearts are with everyone who grieves the loss of a great man.Steve was also a loving, dedicated, and selfless father.? We will miss his guidance, but will proudly carry on his legacy of generosity, kindness, public service, and compassion.?He is survived by his four children Blake (42), Brett (38), Sean (24), and Ashleigh (23), her husband and son-in-law River, our mothers and former spouses Christine B. Yekel of Bradenton Florida and Lisa K. Yekel of Savannah, and his beloved feline companion Sarge.Services will be held on Saturday, January 11th at Strickland & Sons Funeral home, 2460 GA-21 S., Rincon, Ga 31326Visitation will be held from 10:30am-12:00pm, followed by a service celebrating his life and legacy.We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to mental health/suicide awareness charity of your choice in Steve's memory.Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel, (912) 754-6421.