Obituary of Jack Marion Cherry

Jack Marion Cherry, age 75 of Buford, GA died Monday, March 10, 2014. Mr. Cherry has been cremated and a Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church. Pastor John Batusic and Chaplain Kennedy Smartt will officiate. The family will receive Friends at a reception following the service at the church. Jack was born in Sunnyside, WA and had lived in the Atlanta area the past 14 years. Jack is survived by His Wife, Roberta Cherry, Buford. Children, Vicki Niazi, Albuquerque, NM, Dan A. Cherry, Citronelle, AL, Vickie Chapman, Fredericksburg, VA, Jay Thompson, Cleveland, AL, Jeffrey Thompson, Suwanee, GA and Kristi Dent, Vancouver, WA. Brothers, Dean Cherry and Gary Cherry, Klamath Falls, OR. 11 Grandchildren. 7 Great Grandchildren. Jack served his country as an Army Aviator for 20 years. He completed his distinguished career in 1982. Jack entered service in 1962 and became an Air Defense Missile Radar Technician. He then attended flight school and was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in the Army Aviation branch. He served as a Combat Helicopter Pilot and as an Instructor Pilot. His overseas assignments included two tours in Vietnam as well as tours in Antarctica and Germany. During Jack's second tour in Vietnam, he received a Direct Commission as a Second Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Major before retiring in 1982. His Military decorations include: • The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for services in Antarctica • The Vietnam service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars • The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal • The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross • 27 Air Medals After retiring from the Army he owned and operated Columbus Automatic Door in Columbus, GA and later retired to Northeast Georgia in late 1999. Jack quickly made numerous close friends, and became an avid golfer and challenging competitor. He was a member at Royal Lakes Golf Club and A member of Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church. Friends and family remember Jack for his uplifting and positive outlook on life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: NE Georgia Hospice Center 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222 Gainesville, GA 30501 Share memories of Jack at hamiltonmillchapel.com.