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Richard Reed Cheatham, 74, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 after a long battle with interstitial lung disease. He was born to David and Florence Cheatham on July 14, 1943 in Pulaski, Tennessee. He attended the University of Virginia, where he graduated second in his class at the McIntire School of Commerce in 1965. He was a life long supporter of the University of Virginia. Richard graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 1968. After a year teaching at the University of Georgia, Richard moved to Atlanta. He joined the law firm of Kilpatrick & Cody, in 1970, beginning a 44-year career in law. He served as Managing Partner at the firm for several years. In 2013, he joined the firm of Troutman Sanders as senior counsel before retiring in 2014.
A rare modern hybrid of Corporate Lawyer and Litigator, Richard created a thriving financial institutions practice in the 1980s representing at one time more than a third of the 25 largest banks in Georgia. Despite his success, Richard would say that there was only a small part of his career that he didn't owe to those who came before him and that he felt like it was his obligation to help and support those who come after him. His character and principles remained no matter how difficult or unpopular the circumstances. He was a teacher, a mentor and a friend to many lawyers, bankers and others that he encountered throughout his long career.
Richard was a voracious reader and audiophile and loved to retire to his books and record collection. He was a devoted husband and father, who always kept the needs of his family first even in the last few days of his life.
Richard was preceded in death by his father David Cheatham, his mother Florence Cheatham, and his brother Ed Cheatham. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Paisley Cheatham, his son, Richard Reed Cheatham Jr. and his brothers, Robert Cheatham and Denty Cheatham.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on December 1st at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Following the service the family will receive guests at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the University of Virginia at http://giving.virginia.edu/ways-to-give/ or to the Atlanta Legal Aid Society at Atlanta Legal Aid Society, c/o Angie Tacker, 54 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Arrangements under the direction of H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel.
5 Entries
December 1, 2017
Claire Evans
I send my deepest sympathy and love. So sorry not to make it to the funeral. May the Lord comfort you as you grieve his passing
November 28, 2017
Leslie Thomas
Dear Beverly,
I was sorry to hear the news of your husband's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 28, 2017
My deepest sympathies for your loss, May the God of all comfort bring your family peace . Romans 12:12
November 28, 2017
Susan Bledsoe
Dear Bev,
My deepest sympathy to you and the family . Know that I am thinking of you at this very sad time.
Susan
November 23, 2017
Rebecca Aldrich
Dear Bev and Reed
It's Rebecca Aldrich Duane's wife.
I was so heartbroken to hear your news. Richard was Duane's best friend. He always said the smartest man he knew and Duane was no dummy.
I'll be thinking of all of you at this time. Richard and Duane had a lot of good stories for many many years.
I have contacted my brother in law who was at Harvard with him. His name is Peter Aldrich.
As long as we keep their memory alive they won't ever die. I think of Duane daily and know that he is resting in peace.
May God be with you today and always
May Richard rest peacefully.
With love,
Rebecca Aldrich.
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