Norcross Council Member Marshall Cheek passed away after a years-long fight with cancer on Sunday, June 14, community members announced.
On Monday afternoon, Norcross officials ordered the American flag at city hall to be flown at half-mast.
Cheek graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1980, earning a degree in industrial engineering. His career included 29 years of experience in commercial and residential design of HVAC systems.
He was the co-owner and president of Norcross-based Paulson-Cheek Mechanical since its founding in 1998.
Cheek defeated state Rep. Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross), a former Norcross council member, in November 2023.
He served as mayor pro tempore in 2025. Because his term expires at the end of 2028, there will be a special election to fill his seat for the remainder of the term.
Mayor Craig Newton said Cheek believed deeply in the future of Norcross.
“He brought wisdom, professionalism, and a steady voice to the city council,” Newton said. “His dedication to public service and his commitment to our community will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the city council, city staff, and the residents of Norcross, we extend our deepest condolences to Marshall’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Colleagues react to Cheek’s passing
Council Member Josh Bare said he got to know Cheek when he joined the city council in 2024.
“I’m grateful for his interest in this community and his willingness to get involved and serve,” Bare said. “Despite the health battles he was dealing with, he fought with passion to make Norcross a better place.”
Council Member Bruce Gaynor said he became friends with Cheek while serving on the Norcross City Council and chatting with residents at Saturday morning Coffee(s) with Council.
“He very much loved the city,” Gaynor said. “He was very honored to be on the city council, took it seriously, and saw it as a major way of giving back to the community.”
While he and Cheek didn’t always vote the same, Gaynor said they approached things from different perspectives that usually aligned on issues of public concern.
In recent months, Gaynor said Cheek’s health was in decline. He said Cheek’s wife told him that Marshall passed away peacefully with his family.
“What he would advocate for more than anything is for government to get moving,” Gaynor said. “He was very pro-business and very much supported the business community, but not at the expense of everyday individuals.”
City remembers Cheek’s service
The city’s announcement of Cheek’s passing described him as “a dedicated public servant, respected business leader, and cherished member of the Norcross community.”
“He brought a practical perspective, strong business acumen, and a deep love for Norcross to every discussion and decision,” the city’s announcement said. “He knew his time was short, but giving back to the community he loved was very important to him.”
Throughout his life, he held numerous volunteer leadership roles, including homeowners’ association president, youth sports coach, church youth group and Sunday School teacher, and student mentor at Georgia Tech.
Before his election to the City Council, he served as vice chair of the Norcross Planning and Zoning Commission, helping guide the city’s growth and development.
“When he announced his candidacy for city council, Cheek cited his unique perspective as both a longtime Norcross business owner and resident,” the announcement said. “He believed his life experiences, business background, and passion for the community would help him better understand the city’s needs, exemplify servant leadership, and support thoughtful growth. Those qualities became hallmarks of his service on the city council.”
Additional information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available and with the permission of his family.
