Payson Sullivan

Payson Sullivan

Payson Nesbitt Sullivan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on March 26, 1934, Payson lived a life defined by family, hard work, entrepreneurship, and a deep love for the outdoors. He was married to his beloved wife, Sara Josephine, for 70 years. They settled in their retirement years in the Sutherland Bluff Community in McIntosh County, Georgia.

Payson graduated from McCallie Preparatory School before attending the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1956. After College, Payson and Sara Jo settled in Apopka, Florida where they were very involved in the community and raised their four children.

Throughout his business career, Payson was an entrepreneur who was never afraid to pursue a new opportunity. His career included work in the insurance industry (Orlando), indoor foliage (Apopka), and the egg business (Plymouth). In 1990, he moved to Georgia and started Sullivan Environmental Services in Vidalia. What began as a small single truck garbage collection business grew into a successful family enterprise serving thousands of customers and many communities throughout South Georgia. His legacy in the industry continues today through two of his sons who remain active in the solid waste business.

While Payson was proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family.  He was the father of four, grandfather of eight and great grandfather of six. He especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, with hunting and fishing among his favorite pastimes.

Payson was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Jo; and his daughter, Beth Sullivan Biehle; and son-in-law Erich Biehle. He is survived by his three sons, Scott Sullivan (Kristy), Sam Sullivan (Susan), and Will Sullivan (Clara); and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held at their family home in McIntosh County on September 26. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles (www.hospice.me 912-265-4735) or Visiting Angels Southeast Georgia (912-342-8901).

(Family-placed obituary)