Retired Funeral Home Owner Named 2016 Cherokee First Citizen

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Canton, GA -- A retired Cherokee County business owner has been named the 41st recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award.

Norman Sosebee was honored Thursday, Jan. 21 during the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s 45th Annual Meeting.

A Cherokee County resident for 75 years and the retired owner of Sosebee Funeral Home, Sosebee purchased the family business in 1972 and remained the owner and operator until he sold the business in 2009.

However, at 89 years of age, he continues to be active on the funeral home staff. A sampling of current and former community involvement includes Cherokee County Airport Authority, Cherokee County Historical Society, VFW and American Legion Post 45, Canton Jaycees, Cherokee County School Board, Cherokee County Civil Defense (first director) and Canton Moose Lodge.

Sosebee also supports numerous Cherokee County organizations and is a member of Heritage Baptist Fellowship.

“The Cherokee County Chamber is honored to name Norman Sosebee as the 41 the prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award,” said Steve Garrison, owner of Canton Tire & Wheel and 2016 chairman of the Chamber. “It is obvious, based upon his accomplishments, why he was selected.”

The title of First Citizen of Cherokee County is bestowed upon resident of Cherokee County who has resided in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to the community through family, civic and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges reviews the accomplishments of each applicant then the winner is chosen based upon merit.

The 2015 recipient joins a prestigious list of honorees including former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971, and Frankie Shepherd, who was selected for the honor in 2015.

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Photo: Steve Garrison, left, and Normal Sosebee. Credit: Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce