Julian Marcus “Mark” Cheely

The Clarke county native was born to the late Milton Bartow and Mattie Bridges Cheely and attended local schools. He was a United States Air Force veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Cheely retired from Pitts Commercial Refrigeration, where he installed refrigeration equipment in grocery stores. He and his wife, Lillie, lived in Hartwell for over 20 years, before returning to Athens. While in Hartwell, they attended Cornerstone Baptist Church and were currently members of Mars Hill Baptist Church, in Watkinsville.

In addition to his parents, four brothers, Harry Durwood Cheely, Hugh Frazier Cheely, Henry Virgil Cheely and Lewis Carlton Cheely, preceded Mr. Cheely in death.

Mr. Cheely is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillie Pinson Cheely of Athens; brother, James W. "Jack" Cheely of Newport News, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews, who knew him as, Uncle Smokey.

A graveside funeral service and burial will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Reed Creek Baptist Church, in Hartwell, with Reverend Rick Brittian and Reverend Terry Meeks officiating.

Remembrances may be made to Mars Hill Baptist Church, 2661 Mars Hill Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Bernstein Funeral Home, www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com, is in charge of funeral arrangements.