Comer Cherry

Dr. William Comer Cherry, Jr. of Tallahassee, FL, and Lake Burton, GA, joyfully finished his Godly work on earth and was called home by his heavenly Father on August 3, 2024, at the age of 84. Known affectionately as “Coon” to his parents, "Dad" to his beloved children and "PaCo" (Papa Comer) to his cherished grandchildren, he left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered throughout his remarkable life.

Comer was born on May 4, 1940 in Valdosta, Georgia, to William Comer Cherry, Sr and Frances Evelyn Guyton Cherry, an only child who perhaps felt an inherent determination to make his parents proud. This determination saw him excel in various fields, starting with his early years on the Valdosta Wildcats football field and tennis court. His academic prowess led him to Emory University, where he graduated second in his class, serving as chaplain of his Sigma Chi Fraternity. After graduating on an academic scholarship in only three years, he immediately entered Emory Medical School. His internship was at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He served in the Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska during the Vietnam War as the sole cardiologist on call for rescue missions.

Comer’s life was filled with accomplishments, not just in his professional career as a cardiologist but also in his personal life. He met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Carpenter Cherry, a slender, bright, passionate Dallas beauty, within a few months of dating. Together they embarked on a journey and lived in Dallas, Atlanta, Anchorage and Gainesville, FL finally settling in Tallahassee to start their family. After first visiting the North Georgia mountains in the late 1950s as a counselor at Camp Cherokee on Lake Burton, he knew it would be an ideal place to create family memories and build community during his vacation time in the summers and later in retirement.

His work ethic was unparalleled, balancing his roles as a doctor, husband, father, homeowner, and business owner. Comer's physical and mental strength shone through as he ran elite marathons, competed in triathlons, and hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Comer's compassion and tenderness were evident in his professional life as a doctor, where his patients and coworkers held him in high regard. Beyond his practice, he actively sought racial reconciliation, not through politics but through genuine efforts to reach people with the gospel of love. His missionary work took him to Belize and Uganda, and he was known for his efforts to help those in poverty and his dedication to the broken-hearted among his friends.

Comer was a devoted father to Arthur Collin Cherry of Tallahassee, FL, Heather-Camille Cherry Hewett (Allen) of Charlotte, NC, and Brandon Carpenter Cherry, currently traveling. He provided his children with a childhood full of wonder and adventure. His favorite memories included raising pigs, chickens, and horses on the farm; running, peeling shrimp, and sailing at the beach; attending bluegrass festivals and playing the banjo; hiking, eating homemade rolls and taking sunset boat rides at the lake, and sharing countless moments of joy and laughter. He was always present, making faces to make his children laugh at their performances and listening to the heartbeat of his newborn grandsons with his stethoscope.

Even as he grew older, Comer’s wisdom and bright, intuitive nature remained steadfast. He continued to mentor men, married couples, grandchildren, and anyone in need of spiritual advice. Despite his physical limitations in his later years, he maintained his determination and faith, living every day with sheer determination and acceptance of God's path for him.

Comer’s life was a testament to the belief that everything he had belonged to God, and he lived each day to glorify Him. His impact on those around him was profound, and to know Comer was to experience his unconditional love and kindness.

In addition to his wife, children and dear friends, Comer’s legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of his beloved grandchildren, Robert Allen "A.J." Hewett III, William Hayes Hewett, Samantha Grace Cherry, James Houston Hewett, and William Collin "C.J." Cherry. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Celebration of life services will be held on Tuesday, August 6, at 10 am at Clayton Presbyterian Church in Clayton, GA, and Saturday, August 10, at 10 am at Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL. In honor of Comer’s spirit, celebratory casual attire is encouraged at the services. Donations can be made to the respective churches.