Paul Joseph Oeland, III

Paul Joseph Oeland, III, of Watkinsville, Georgia, passed away on January 16, 2025. Visitation and the funeral service will be held at Lord and Stephens West on Monday, January 20, 2025. The visitation will begin at 12:00pm, and the service will begin at 2:00pm. Following a gravesite service, the family invites loved ones and friends to gather at 4:00pm at Oglethorpe Garage, 1560 Oglethorpe Ave, Athens. GA 30606.

Paul was born and raised in Greenville, SC and graduated from Clemson University (a secret only revealed to the closest of friends), before being redeemed as a Georgia Bulldog upon moving to Athens, GA in 1965. He immediately fell in love with his adopted home and served her as a city councilman from 1969 until running for mayor in 1975. He was elected president of the Athens Jaycees in 1968 and of Jaycees Region 17 a year later. Through his service with the Jaycees and as a city councilman, Paul was instrumental in the passage of a referendum allowing liquor sales in Clarke County. And the people said, “Amen!” 

Paul was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years Sue Henry Oeland, his sister Barbara Oeland Zoeller, and his brother John Oeland. He is survived by his sister Peggie Morrow; daughter Terri Mobley, son-in-law Danny Mobley; daughter Carol Chambers, son-in-law Doug Chambers; son Paul Oeland IV, daughter-in-law Mandi Oeland; grandchildren (and their spouses) Rebecca Mobley and Craig Herrick, Daniel Mobley and Sarah Jackson, Mary Carson Mobley, Matthew Chambers and Nick Combs, Kelly Chambers, Marissa and Wes Blankenship, Kevin and Ashley Chambers, Joseph Oeland, Lincoln Oeland, Delia Oeland, and Sophia Oeland; great- grandchildren Emory Herrick and Waylon Blankenship; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were very dear to him; and beloved members of God’s Waiting Room.

In lieu of flowers and in sincere gratitude to those who cared for Paul, the family asks that donations be made to UCBC Cares Foundation or The Cancer Foundation. Information for both organizations can be found at universitycancer.com. The family also thanks all of the medical care teams at Piedmont Athens Regional for the exceptional care and compassion showed to Paul over the past three months. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com