BHS Alumni – Then & Now: Bob Cheeley

Meet Bob Cheeley, a graduate of Buford High School in the class of 1975. Bob is son to Joseph and Selma Cheeley and sibling to Joseph, Susan, John, and James Cheeley. Born and raised in Buford, Bob attended K-12 at Buford City Schools, claiming the experience was, “…the best childhood anyone could ever have.” Bob still has fond memories of his 1st-grade teacher, Mrs. Greenway, who inspired him to try his best in everything he did. 

Bob took his high school education seriously, graduating third in his class with a high A average. His favorite subjects were World History and Literature, and he remembers his literature teacher, Mrs. Myrtle Davis, having the greatest impact on him as a student. Bob claims Mrs. Davis honed his writing skills, expanded his vocabulary, and instilled in him a love for classic literature, a trait he is still proud of today. 

While academics remained an integral part of Bob’s high school career, his overall experience was characterized by the sport of football as well. Participating in track during the offseason of football, Bob lettered all four years of high school in both sports. Bob saw significant success as a senior on the team; in addition to being selected as co-captain, Bob received the title of State Champion in 1975 and was recognized as an All-American that same year. 

Playing sports was much more to Bob, however than competition and exercise. “In team sports,” Bob states, “I learned to play for my brothers on the team, and not for myself. I learned the value of never relenting and striving for excellence in mind, body, and spirit.” These valuable life lessons carried Bob onto the next stages of his life and beyond. 

Bob went on to attend the University of Georgia and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1978. In 1979, he was accepted to the UGA School of Law and graduated from there in 1982. While attending the University of Georgia, Bob was the President of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. He was also a member of prestigious organizations such as Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. 

Since his graduation from the UGA School of Law, Bob has become a successful lawyer, now a Senior Law Partner at his own firm, Cheeley Law Group. When asked why he chose this profession, Bob shared that his father was a Gwinnett County State Court Judge and practiced law in Buford. “Growing up in Buford, I had a strong sense of justice for the “little man” who was not able to stand against a stronger opponent, so I decided to follow my father’s lead and become a lawyer.”

In his personal life, Bob is married to his college sweetheart, Lisa Ackerman Cheeley who works at a company within AT&T. Bob has three grown children, David (33), Amelia (30), and Harrison (27). He and his wife also have one grandchild, Charlotte, who Bob describes as a “beautiful little angel”. 

Volunteering is another important aspect of Bob’s personal life. He does so at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek where he has attended church for the past 27 years. Participating in fundraisers to support his community is something Bob feels betters himself as a man and a Christian. 

Even though he no longer resides in his hometown, Bob remains forever impacted by the Buford community and proud of his beginnings. Looking back on his life, Bob remarks, “The good Lord only made one Buford, and there is none like it anywhere in this country. I am proud to have been born and raised in this small town.” Once a Wolf, always a Wolf!