John Cheeks (12-20-12)

FLOWERY BRANCH - John Henry Edward Cheeks, 91, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Willow Wood Nursing Center following a brief illness.

He was born June 17, 1921, the son of the late John and Anna Roberts Cheeks. He was a lifelong resident of Hall County and a member of Cross Plains Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and as church treasurer. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and later became co-owner of Cheeks and Osborne Construction. He was a member of Masonic Lodge Widowson #66 in Gainesville. Mr. Cheeks was preceded in death by his wife, Emmerline Cheeks; daughter, Emma Jean Stephens; and grandchildren, Ollie B. Stephens, Jr. and Veronique Gowdy.

Survivors include daughters, Geraldine Stephens and Anner Goudelock, both of Flowery Branch; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Eddie R. and Monique Cheeks, Augusta; son-in-law, Ollie B. Stephens Sr., Flowery Branch; sister, Annie Lou Glasper, Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law, Cecil and Brenda Cheeks, Gainesville; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 23, in the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment in Memorial Park South cemetery. The Rev. Eddie W. Bailey will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is accepting flowers or contributions can be made to The Georgia Mountain Food Bank, (www.gamountainfoodbank.org), 1642 Calvary Industrial Dr., S.W., Gainesville, GA 30507.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.