Gordon Matthews began by giving us a brief history of Judge Cheatham's life.  At the age of 2, Judge Cheatham was diagnosed with polio.  Growing up, he would spend eight weeks every summer in Warm Springs where President Roosevelt would make a point to visit with every patient telling them "If I can do it, then you can do it too."  After Judge Cheatham graduated from University of Georgia Law School, he and several WWII veterans decided they did not like the way Savannah city government was being run.  They took on the current establishment and were able to make changes that helped shaped the way Savannah is today.  In 1972 when Judge Cheatham was 48,  Governor Jimmy Carter appointed Frank as Judge. 

 

Judge Cheatham's wife, Becky, spoke to how polio affected Judge Cheatham's life.  She said his parents told him from an early age that he couldn't count on his body and therefore, he needed to count on his mind.  Polio mostly affected the left side of his body and he had to rely on crutches for most of his life.  He endured numerous surgeries as a young boy.  She said that he never once thought of himself as disabled.  

 

Wade Herring said he first met Judge Cheatham in 1985 when he moved to Savannah to begin his career as a lawyer.  Wade also talked about Judge Cheatham's role in changing Savannah after WWII.  He said what made Judge Cheatham a great leader was that he was a quiet, patient, kind man who was tough.  He is grateful for the example of Judge Cheatham.