George Samuel Manonmani Chelliah

C. George Samuel Manonmani, 78, of Snellville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on October 6, 2026.

He was born on October 9, 1947, in Sawyerpuram, Tamil Nadu, India, the eleventh child of Chelliah and Jebakani. He earned his bachelor's degree at Pope's College in Sawyerpuram. He also served for three years in the Army Wing of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), attached to the 23 BN NCC Headquarters in Tuticorin, where he rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major; during April–May 1968, he was attached to the regular forces of the Indian Army (17 RAJ RIF, Jamnagar) for 32 days. In 1972, he worked as a librarian at the Indian Institute of Technology for seven months and at the Central Institute of Fisheries Operatives for two months.

He then built a long career with Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC), working in administration in Tuticorin, Madras, and Kodaikanal. Organized, diligent, and devoted to his work, he retired as a Joint Manager.

Faith was the center of his life. He began every day with the Bible and prayer, never missed a Sunday service until his final illness, and lived his faith quietly rather than talking about it. He sought first the kingdom of God, and from that faith came his wisdom, for "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Raised in the choir of the Anglican Holy Trinity Church in Sawyerpuram, he loved four-part hymns all his life, especially singing the tenor part. He played the mouth organ.

He married Vijayarani on May 23, 1974, and together they raised two daughters, Suganthi and Jeyanthi, and a son, Robinson, on that same foundation of faith. To his family, he was a protector and a steady leader who showed his love through what he did, planning ahead for every need. His judgement was sound, and his family trusted every decision he made. Far-sighted and ahead of his time, he made sure his daughters grew up independent, with every opportunity open to them.

A man of principle, he was honest, humble, and responsible, and always gentle and kind. He commanded respect and affection from everyone he met, whatever their walk of life, and he treated every relative alike, staying close to them all his life. Helping others was a hallmark of his character: he was the first to step in when family needed him, and he never turned away anyone who asked for help.

From the small town of Sawyerpuram, his life took him to Tuticorin, Kodaikanal, and Madras, and later to Switzerland, Israel, Mexico, and the United States. In his later years, he lived with his children and their families in Maryland, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, and St. Louis, and he was happiest surrounded by family. Wherever life took him, home was wherever his family was, and he was blessed to spend time with his children and grandchildren until the very end.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vijayarani; his children, Suganthi, Jeyanthi (Ponraj Thomas Thangiah), and Robinson (Nancy Martina); and his grandchildren, Timothy, Philip, Jessica, Charlotte, and Roselin. He also leaves a large and loving extended family in India and around the world.

"Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." Psalm 128:4

Services:

Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, Georgia.

Viewing: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Second Viewing: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Followed by Burial at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens, 3700 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039