October 8, 1962 — August 4, 2024
Etemuli “Lei” Magalei, age 61, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.
He was born in American Samoa on October 8, 1962, to Lepo and Puni Launiuvao Noa Magalei, and lived in the United States since 1984. He settled in Statesboro 24 years ago. Lei graduated from Leone High School in American Samoa in 1980. He was a Desert Storm veteran and served in the U.S. Army. Lei retired after 35 years of service in the Army and the U.S. Postal Service. He enjoyed cooking, especially on the barbecue, for his friends and family, with whom he loved spending time. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Punipuao Pouesi, Meki Taumaivale, Asofitu Magalei, Sigava’a Jt. Tuimaivale and Siutuloa Maglaei.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Elizabeth White Magalei of Statesboro; his children, Matthew, Andrew, Amanda and Shaun Magalei, all of Statesboro; his siblings, Kaupoe Magalei of Alaska, Lepo Launiu Magalei of Louisiana, Eteuati Magalei of Hawaii, Malaelele Anderson of Louisiana, Tavita Magalei of Washington State, Fuarosa “Jay” Jarriett of Louisiana and Poe Pouesi Magalei of Samoa; his brothers-in-law, Charles W. (Kristy) White Jr. of Alabama and David (Shawnda) White of Glennville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Glennville Funeral Home with Rev. David Donnan officiating. Burial will be in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Glennville Funeral Home is honored to serve the Magalei family.
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