George R. Cherellia 1931-2021 George Cherellia, of Auburn, age 90, was born in Pennsylvania on February 17, 1931 and passed away at EAMC on August 18, 2021. George had remarkable health for most of his life except for the past few months. George was born in Export, Pennsylvania and went to school in Export. He married his lifetime sweetheart, Barbara Cherellia, in 1976 on a blind date. George was a member of St. Michael's Church, Auburn. George taught exercise science (now called Kinesiology) at Auburn University. He taught students how to play golf and they loved his enthusiasm for the game. At age 90, George often shot scores 75 and below at Indian Pines. George was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Owens Cherellia, of 39 years; and his parents, Patsy and Bendora (Restauri) Cherellia. He is also preceded by his siblings: Pete Cherellia; Amelia Corns; Josephine Cherrone; Ann Johnson; Isabell (Ruth) Cohen; and Daniel Cherellia. He is survived by his sister, Viola Onder, who resides in Export, Pennsylvania. His nephews include: Peter Cherellia; Anthony Cherrone; and Ted Cohen. His nieces are Shirley Moonis; Jonna Owens-Lee; Jonnette (Leigton) Smith; and other nieces and nephews. He has two sisters-in-law: Linda Prince Owens (late O.B. Owens) and Brenda Owens (Neil) Mutchler. Macy Beth Lee, his great niece, was his pride and joy and they spent much time together over the past five years as she attends Auburn University. She and Uncle George often enjoyed dancing, singing, and laughing together as a happy-go-luck college students. To know George was to love him since he had several notable qualities: an eternal optimist, infectious laugh, kindness, loving, and fun to be around. George was a toast to many and a crumb to few. He will be missed by his neighbors and his golf buddies, such as: Joe Helms, Benny Wise, Richard Brewer, Duke Smith, John Lindley, and Buzz Struz. He loved Auburn, Alabama and War Eagle! His teaching experience included: Blythe Junior High School, Blythe, California; Escondido Junior High School, Escondido, California; US Department of Defense, Nurnburg High School, Nurnberg, Germany; US Dept. of Defense, Verdum High School, Verdun, France; US Dept. of Defense, Wethersfield High, Wethersfield, England; and Auburn University where he was hired in 1968. At Auburn in 1973, George was promoted to Assistant Professor and taught soccer; basketball; racquetball; golf; tumbling; physical conditioning; and sports orientation. Teaching racquetball was his favorite. George's sports experience included: Working for the US Dept. of Defense, Struttgart, Germany, as a sports director for over 8,000 men; and working at Pleasant Valley County Club in Connesville, Pennsylvania teaching golf professionals. His professional and social organizations included: American Association of University Professors; and Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Pleasant Valley Country Club. He graduated from Export High School in Export, Pennsylvania in 1949. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Houston in Houston, Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Health, P.E., and Recreation. He graduated in 1957 from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a Masters. He served in the United States Army for 3 years, 1950-1953. George had two publications: T-E-M-P-O The Heart of a Golf Swing, Creative Sports Books, Los Angeles, California, April 1971; and All About Hitting the Sweet Spot, Stipes Publishing Company, 1975. Visitation for Mr. Cherellia will be on Sunday, August, 22, 2021 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 1:00 until 2:00 pm. There will be a short service from 2:00 until 3:00 pm and burial at Auburn Memorial Park. The family asks that all friends wear a mask for the safety of the congregation and community. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: St. Michael's Catholic Church.