George Sewell Chatham

George Sewell Chatham, a lifelong resident of Hartwell, GA, entered into rest peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Glen Eagle Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Abbeville, GA, where he had been lovingly cared for during the last four years. He was 79. 

Born in Hartwell, GA on April 20, 1945, George was the eighth of eleven children born to Morris and Lucille Delree Bailey Chatham. He had a fun, fulfilling, and successful life. A proud graduate of Hart County High School, he participated in performing arts in a “One Act Play” with Janie O’Neal and Mike Mahaffey, ran for and was elected by his peers as the Mayor of Teen Town, and was named along with Beth Brown as Superlatives, all in their senior year in 1963. 

After 21 years of employment at National Vulcanized Fiber, George, Lynda Robertson, and J.N. “Jimmy” Fisher established Creative Fabrication Inc., in June 1987. CFI was a beneficial and successful business in Hartwell for 29 years. 

George could be found most everyday downtown Hartwell as he walked his cherished dog, Elvis. He and Elvis both enjoyed their daily walk and visiting with the businesses. George loved everything Hartwell, but especially loved his cove in the Reed Creek area where he hosted many gatherings for friends and family alike. 

Surviving are his wife, Marcia Chatham of Hartwell, GA; children: Lara (Kem) Caldwell of Carlton, GA, Kira Swygert of Elberton, GA, and Mark (Wanda) Mitchell of Lexington, SC; grandchildren: Tanner C. Moore of Elberton, GA, Bailey Caldwell of Bradenton, FL, Dorianne Caldwell of Carlton, GA, Haily Hammond of Winder, GA, and Christian Mitchell of Richmond, VA; great-grandson, Eli Peters; sisters: Dianne (Jimmy) Wilson of Hartwell, GA and Kathy (Wayne) Alewine of Hartwell, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Skye Chatham Hammond; and siblings: Cuemi Hart, Marian Sanders, Bill Chatham, Emma Christian, Mary Etta Chatham, Eula Mae Adams, Jimmy Chatham, and Stewart Chatham. 

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Thursday, October 24, beginning at 5:30p.m. at Hartwell’s VFW 8076, 173 Ack Powell Road in Hartwell. This will be a true celebration of George’s life, so all are invited to come casual, bringing a smile and a story to share. 

George selflessly donated his body for the betterment of the medical industry to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hartwell’s VFW 8076, 173 Ack Powell Road, Hartwell, GA 30643.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home of Elberton, GA is in charge of arrangements.