Mark R. Cheatham

Mark R. Cheatham of Clemson, SC died unexpectedly on Tuesday December 31, 2024. Born on March 16, 1961, he was the eldest son of Harold E. and V. Arlene Tabb Cheatham, of Clemson. 

Mark attended public schools in Holland Patent, NY, Cleveland Heights, OH, and New London, CT. Upon graduation from the University of Connecticut,1983, where he majored in English and African American Studies, Mark accepted his first professional appointment as a political reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram (TX). During undergraduate studies he completed internships with the New London Day (CT) and the Hartford Courant (CT) and, as he pursued his career in journalism, media, and media and public relations, he completed advanced studies at the New School for Social Research NYC. Mark’s early career found him in corporate relations appointments in major US firms, including Ciba-Geigy, which were followed by staff positions with Rogers and Cowan, New Line Cinema, Baumann and Curry, and Pacific Gas and Electric, where he staffed a range of projects for the firms’ television, movies, and corporate clients. 

Those who knew Mark or who had occasion for a brief encounter, characterize him as fun-loving, high spirited, and kind-hearted—one who goes beyond an elementary greeting to demonstrate genuine interest in and care about others’ interests, feelings and comfort. An elementary school teacher’s note to his parents once reported that ‘Mark is an excellent learner who might reach the next level of achievement were he less concerned about how everyone else is getting along before settling into his own desk and classroom assignments.’

Mark is survived by his parents and a brother, Brian R. Cheatham of Los Angeles, CA; and by a host of cousins and lifelong school and college friends and professional colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at 2 PM. A Visitation/Gathering will be held following the service in Tartan Hall of the Church. 

A private interment Ceremony will occur in Albany, NY, at the convenience of the Family.

Memorial contributions may be addressed to Clemson Free Clinic, P.O. Box 941, Clemson, SC 29633.