James "Earl" Cheely, Sr., age 69, of Carrollton, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. He was born on January 6, 1946 in Sandersville, Georgia, the son of the late Lewis Cheely and the late Otyce Hinsley Cheely. He was retired from Georgia Power Company and had also worked in small engine repair. A United States Navy veteran, he was known for his generous spirit and was the type guy that would "give you the shirt off his back." In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers: Ray Cheely and Larry Cheely. Survivors include his wife, Esther Smith Cheely of Carrollton; daughter, Anita Michelle Cheely of Carrollton; sons: James "Jamie" Cheely, Jr. and Grady Cheely, both of Carrollton; sister, Lillie Mae Turner of Sumter, South Carolina; brothers: Frank Cheely of Carl, Georgia, Bobby Cheely of Sandersville, Georgia, and Charles Cheely of Edenton, Georgia; grandchildren: Hunter Cheely, Chance Johnson, Blake Ayers, and Zachary Ayers; and a number of nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2015 from Carroll Memory Gardens with Bro. Billy Thompson officiating. Those serving as pallbearers will be Alvin Denney, Mike Branon, Blake Ayers, Willie Ector, John Woodward, Zachary Ayers, John Little, and Billy Brown. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens with the flag presentation by the American Legion Post #143. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 PM. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.