Milledgeville - Andrew "Drew" James Santarone, 78, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenny Walker officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the service hour.

Drew was born on Sept. 25, 1946 in New York City, had family in Philadelphia, grew up and was a lifelong resident of Milledgeville. He was the son of the late Teddy and Lee Thigpen Santarone and was preceded in death by brothers, Nikki and Mike Santarone. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked for Georgia Power for many years. He started working at the recreation department when he was 16 years old and later became a GHSA and GIAA referee for 30 years. He liked working in his yard and tinkering in his shop and loved to travel, and spent a lot of time at Disney. He was also an avid Jimmy Buffet fan. His athletic background and love of sports led him to coaching all sports, in addition to being a referee. He also had the privilege of coaching with his daughter. He loved his family but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandson, John Clark Spencer.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Clark Santarone; daughter, Jennifer Spencer (Bryant), and grandson, John Clark Spencer; brothers, Tony Santarone (Sallie), Terry Phillips (Lynne); nephews, Wes Santarone (Lori), and Jeff Santarone (Doris); and niece, Marlena Patterson (Jeff).

Flowers accepted and for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the softball and baseball programs at the Baldwin County Rec Department.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.williamsfuneral.net

Williams Funeral Home of Milledgeville is charge of arrangements.