Current Year Events at Oconee Hill Cemetery
Press Release: Doc Eldridge Named Manager of Oconee Hill Cemetery
Sept. 2, 2025
Doc Eldridge, a lifelong Athenian, former Mayor of Athens-Clarke County, and former President of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed Manager of Oconee Hill Cemetery. He succeeds Don Smith, who retired earlier this year after serving in this role for eight years.
“We are delighted to have Doc join us as Manager of Oconee Hill Cemetery and look forward to working with him as we seek to increase awareness of this Victorian-era cemetery, encourage the use of the cemetery as a community resource, and protect this beautiful place for future generations,” said Joe Tillman, Chairman of the cemetery’s board of trustees. “Given his deep and broad roots in Athens, Doc is the right person at the right time to lead the cemetery.”
Oconee Hill Cemetery was established in 1856 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located adjacent to the University of Georgia campus on East Campus Road near Sanford Stadium, the cemetery is widely considered an icon of Athens’ landscape and architecture. The cemetery receives no public funding and is dependent on lot sales and donations from generous supporters for its financial security.
“The 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 Members of Congress,” said board member Helen Hudson Mills. “We want people to know that Oconee Hill is still an active cemetery, and lots are available for sale.” It is also available for events.
“Growing up in Athens, I have always known and loved Oconee Hill Cemetery,” said Eldridge. “I am honored that the board has entrusted me with the care and management of this community treasure. Oconee Hill Cemetery is a special place and an important community asset. It is my hope that all Athenians will come to know about and value this beautiful, historic place. I have been surprised to find that people do not realize it is an active cemetery with lots for sale.”
Oconee Hill has been part of the Athens landscape since the 1850s. The land was purchased in 1855 by the city of Athens when further burials were prohibited in the existing cemetery on land owned by the University of Georgia. In 1856, the city formed a self-perpetuating governing board to manage in trust this land that continues to serve as a public cemetery. The following year a plan for the cemetery's design was adopted, the first lots were auctioned, and management of the cemetery was assigned to a self-perpetuating board of trustees.
By 1896 virtually all lots had been sold, and an expansion was needed. In 1898 the trustees acquired an additional tract of 82 acres. Less rugged and hilly than the original acquisition, the new ground did not require supporting walls and steps that had been built throughout the old section. However, bridging the 150-foot Oconee River to reach the new section was a serious problem. With the financial aid of the city, a bridge connecting the old and new sections was built in 1899.
Oconee Hill Cemetery is an example of the 19th century's natural landscape cemetery movement that began in Europe. The hallmarks of this movement are woods, grassy and rolling terrain, flowing water, meandering tree drives, and scenic vistas. The design for the cemetery was created by James Camak, a member of the University of Georgia's faculty in the early 19th century, whose plan was based on visits to other examples of the Victorian rural cemetery movement. The beautiful natural setting is enhanced by ornamental ironwork on gates and fences, beautifully constructed retaining walls and Victorian monuments and statuary that add to the charm and beauty of this setting.
“Oconee Hill is a distinctive and distinguished place that to seeks welcome every citizen. It is the final resting place for the rich and the poor. It is a place where no one is ignored; a place where ornate monuments and modest grave markers stand side by side just as our citizens do on every sidewalk,” said Tillman. “Since 1856, OHC has been an active cemetery with spaces available and continues to be so today.”
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.
