Christian Charles Rehkopf, Iii

Christian Charles Rehkopf III, 77, died at his home in Atlanta after a short fight with cholangiosarcoma.  Born in Memphis, TN December 26, 1926, Chris was a three-time Memphis City tennis champ in high school.  He attended The University of Notre Dame until called into service during WWII.  He served in the Merchant Marine as Purser on Victory ships. His military career included both active and reserve duty with the 3rd Army as a Quartermaster; he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Major.  Chris? civilian career as a salesman began with Graham Paper Company in Memphis.  He was a superior salesman. ?Knowing your product is the key to success,? he said.  A consultant to law enforcement agencies, his knowledge of paper types, weights and manufacturers helped officials during the King assassination investigation.  Always looking for an edge, Chris went back to college, graduating in1985 at age 58 with a degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University.  He retired at age 72 from General Paper Company in Atlanta.  Chris was most happy when he was able to give of himself, whether to his family or his civic organizations.  He belonged to the Memphis Jaycees, Toastmasters of America, Knights of Columbus, and Notre Dame and Georgia State alumni associations. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.  He belonged to several bridge clubs, both contract and duplicate. Most recently Chris was a member of the Northlake Elks Lodge, and was a past Exalted Ruler. He had been appointed as District Deputy for Northwest Georgia but could not serve because of his illness. He was very proud of his work as the Chairman of the Lodge and NW Georgia scholarship program that awarded thousands of dollars to deserving high school seniors. Chris also volunteered his time to help DeKalb residents with their income taxes each year at a local library.  He loved being with friends and family, and his house and heart were most full during holiday and birthday celebrations.  His parents, Christian C. Rehkopf II and Laura Belle Rehkopf; his first wife, Mary Louise Rehkopf; son, Robert A. Rehkopf; and daughter, Rebecca Rehkopf precede Chris in death.  He is survived by his wife of eight years, Jeanette; sons and daughters-in-law, Chris Rehkopf, Jr. and Linda of Marietta, and Brian Rehkopf and Therese of Doraville; and beloved grandchildren, Leigh Anne Rehkopf of New York City, and Emma Caroline and Patrick Allen Rehkopf of Doraville. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Belle and James Manley of Lakeland, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Robert F. and Leslie Rehkopf of Cordova, TN; and stepson, Bill (wife Myra) Clark of Tallahassee, as well as numerous nieces & nephews, three step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 9, from 5-7:30 p.m. at A.S. Turner & Son in Decatur, with a Rosary at 8 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta, on Wednesday, November 10, at 2:30 p.m.  A reception for friends and family will follow the service at the church parish hall.  The body will be cremated and a private internment will be held at a later date.  A. S. Turner & Sons.