Dr.Tom Cheely, 70, Pastor of Missions at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham Ala., was called home to glory on May 7, 2014. Cheely served on the staff of Briarwood since 1983. He was a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Cheely was born in Hopewell, Va. He graduated from Wheaton College and Columbia Theological Seminary. Before joining the Briarwood staff Cheely served a number of churches as pastor, including First Presbyterian Church in Soddy Daisy, Tenn.; Locust Presbyterian Church and then Carolina Presbyterian Church, both in Locust, N.C.; and New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Manning, S.C.

Deeply involved in missions, Cheely not only encouraged church members to be engaged in missions through their giving and going, but he traveled extensively to encourage missionaries in their ministries.

Cheely is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy, and three children, Andy, Anna & Becky.

A memorial service will be held at Briarwood on Monday, May 12, at 1:00 PM.