Marshall Elwyn Cheek, P.E.

Marshall Elwyn Cheek, P.E., 69, of Norcross, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

A lifelong resident of Atlanta, Marshall was born at Georgia Baptist Hospital to Gene Waller Owens and Elwyn Junior Cheek on February 13, 1957. He graduated from Henderson High School in 1975. In 1980, Marshall became a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. Marshall met his beloved wife, Patty, after her family moved across the street from his family home. They faithfully dated throughout their school years before beginning a marriage that would span almost 45 years. Marshall and Patty welcomed a daughter, Amanda, and son, Taylor, into the world and lovingly raised them in Lilburn, Georgia. In 2015, Marshall gained the name “Captain” when he became a grandfather. “Captain” was adored by granddaughters Macy and Charlotte, and grandson, Austin.

In 1998, Marshall co-founded Paulson-Cheek Mechanical, Inc., and began his dedication to creating an admirable and successful design-build engineering and construction company. Serving as its President and CEO, Marshall gave his vast industry knowledge, impressive leadership skills, and passion for integrity and excellence into the 25-year-old company, growing it into one of the Southeast’s leading mechanical contracting firms. His commitment to Paulson-Cheek and his larger-than-life personality earned him respect and admiration throughout the industry among contractors, owners, developers, and engineers.

Outside of his professional life, Marshall poured himself into his communities and various hobbies, taking on mentorship and leadership roles in youth sports, church groups, neighborhood associations, clubs at Georgia Tech, and commissions and councils in Norcross. A dedicated father and husband, Marshall’s fun-loving and extroverted persona was well known and welcomed in all activities, schools, clubs, and sports that his wife and children participated in. Soon after moving to Norcross, Marshall became the Vice Chair of the Norcross Planning and Zoning Commission and later was elected as a city councilman. He enjoyed serving his city and was always ready to listen, connect, and support his community. Marshall enjoyed deep conversations with family, playing guitar, riding his bike, competing in races and triathlons, fishing at his lake house, driving his sports cars, cheering for Georgia Tech sports, long lunches with friends, and reading novels.

Marshall’s immediate and extended family adored him for his unwavering and deeply thoughtful support and companionship. A fun-loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and in-law, Marshall created lasting and unique connections with all. Marshall cared deeply about the lives of his family and could always be counted on for exceptional life advice and playful banter.

Marshall was preceded in death by his mother, Gene Waller Owens, and father, Elwyn Junior Cheek. His legacy will be carried on by his loving wife, Patty Cheek; his devoted daughter, Amanda Hall (Josh Hall); and his dedicated son, Taylor Cheek (Cammi Cheek). Marshall is also survived by his loving sisters, Lauree Hemke (Dale Hemke) and Sam Hussey. His joy will live on through his grandchildren, Macy James Hall, Austin Hall, and Charlotte Cheek.

Marshall leaves behind a legacy of loving influence across Metro Atlanta among his beloved family, professional peers, partners in city servanthood, close neighbors from Stone Mountain to Lilburn to Norcross, and friends and family of his children. He will be deeply missed, and his spirit, wit, and wisdom will live on through the many lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life honoring Marshall E. Cheek will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319. A reception will immediately follow the service.