Paul Milton Cheezem, Sr. of Leesville, SC died Saturday, July 1, 2017 after suffering a stroke. He was 60.

His passions in life were his family, friends, ministry, music and riding his motorcycle. Paul graduated with great pride from Clemson University and Duke Theological Seminary. He was ordained as an Elder in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1981 and has served many congregations, most recently at the Emory Nazareth Charge in Saluda and Leesville.

He also served as Chaplain with the Richland and Oconee county Sheriff's departments.

Born in Marion, SC on February 13, 1957, his survivors include his wife, Doty Lilly Cheezem; son, Paul M Cheezem, Jr. (Elizabeth) of New Orleans; his father, Dr. William Leroy Cheezem of Clemson; sister, Peggy Rogers of Clemson; brother, Billy Cheezem (Anita) of Murrells Inlet; daughter, Susan Fulmer Yates (Scott) of Bangkok, Thailand; and son, Scott Fulmer (Dana) of Alexandria, VA. He is "Papi" to five granddaughters and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise McBrayer Cheezem; brother, John Cheezem; and sister, Martha Cheezem Layman.

A celebration of his life will be held 4 o'clock, Sunday, July 16th at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia. The family will receive friends following the service in Player Hall. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the ICU teams at Palmetto Health Richland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, 100 Centerview Drive, Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35216 or to Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205.