Current Year Events at Oconee Hill Cemetery
Press Release: Oconee Hill Cemetery Announces Long-time Manager, Don Smith’s Retirement — Former Mayor Doc Eldridge hired as the New Manager
The Board of Trustees of Oconee Hill Cemetery announce that Don Smith retired as Manager of the Cemetery at the end of May, 2025. Don was hired in 2016. Under Don’s leadership, Oconee Hill enjoyed a period of great improvement. Don brought marketing, sales and technology experience to the Cemetery that led to an improved experience for all customers and visitors. Working closely with the Trustees, Don’s efforts led to increased visibility, better technology, and a much enhanced appearance as all areas of the cemetery are now landscaped professionally and continuously maintained. The Board of the Trustees would like to thank Don for his commitment to Oconee Hill Cemetery and his years of dedicated service.
The Trustees are pleased to announce the hiring of Erwin James “Doc” Eldridge, as the new Manager. He began service on June 1, 2025. Doc is a life-long Athenian who formerly served the Athens-Clarke County community as Mayor from 1999-2003 and as President and CEO of the Athens Chamber of Commerce from 2007-2017. He brings a deep knowledge of and love for the Athens area. Joe Tillman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, recently stated, “Please join the Trustees in thanking Don for his devoted service and giving a warm welcome to Doc.”
Known for its charm and beauty, historic Oconee Hill Cemetery is located in Athens, Georgia, adjacent to the University of Georgia campus. Established in 1856 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oconee Hill is significant for its landscape and architectural elements. Oconee Hill Cemetery is a beloved community treasure and is a pleasant place to visit and stroll among the graves of many notable Georgians including governors, University presidents, veterans, and Congressmen. Oconee Hill is still an active cemetery, and lots are available for sale.
The Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery Annual Meeting will be Thursday, October 24 at 10:00 AM at the Sexton’s House. All members are invited to attend and hear about the many things going on at the cemetery.
Wreaths Across America Project 2024
Oconee Hill Cemetery will be honoring its veterans for their service to our country this year by participating in the Wreaths Across America Project. Our volunteers will place approximately 1,100 wreaths on the gravesites of every known veteran in our cemetery on Saturday, December 14th, which is known as Wreaths Across America Day.
This is our second year sponsoring the project with leadership from the Apalachee Chapter DAR. Our success last year gave us the encouragement to continue this worthwhile community project. We need your help by sponsoring wreaths to honor your veteran family members and other forgotten veterans.
On Sunday, December 15th , we are inviting all families to visit our historic cemetery to honor our heroes, and to view a beautiful display of wreaths.
Please download the ATTACHED FORM HERE to purchase your wreaths.
Veterans Day Self Guided Tour
Oconee Hill Cemetery and the Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery encourage all interested persons to visit the cemetery and take a self guided tour in place of the ceremony. The cemetery is home to veterans from most every war or major conflict in American history. The tour highlights many of these brave citizens who served our nation. Below, please find the tour as well as a two sided map - one side showing all locations throughout the cemetery and the other side showing those only in the historic sections. Please print these out and come visit on 11 /11 to honor our past and current veterans.
