Mehdi's Smile

Mehdi Zareie was born May 23, 1949 to the late Rajab Ali & Fatemeh Sabri Zareie in Sabzevar, Iran.  He grew up and completed high school in the town of Tabriz.  At age 18, he moved to Tehran where he completed two years of mandatory military service.  He traveled to the US in 1970 on a J-1 visa to attend school at Gainesville Junior College.  There he met his future lifelong partner, Brenda Sartain.  He later finished his Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Polytechnic College.  Using his background in engineering, Mehdi was a dedicated and accomplished General Contractor.  He is responsible for the construction of many commercial and residential buildings in the Athens and Metro Atlanta area. Mehdi was a gifted athlete all his life.  In the early 1980s, he pioneered the first Persian Soccer team for the Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League and gained lifelong friends. Mehdi was an avid tennis player with hundreds of friends in the ALTA, USTA and local tennis communities. He belonged to many championship teams from 1991 to today.

Mehdi was a generous friend and amazing chef who loved to host his friends to great food and drink. He was always smiling and making me laugh along with him.

David Weigand, friend

In a community filled with generous and hospitable residents, we found a loyal friend who shared a love of tennis and good company… he’d insist on having couples over who became dear friends in no time. His smile was contagious and you instantly felt a bonded connection with Mehdi.

John McGee, friend

Mehdi's Smile
A poem by Bill Orr

Mehdi, I believe we met sometime ago, we had to!
Because the things we share are not few!

You are so easy to know,
Building, skiing, football (soccer), pool, travel, hard work, family we both knew.

We are family for certain, there are so many things we both share and do;
It will be difficult to share now as we both know.
Though, we will find a way through!

I am satisfied that you will always listen and guide with your zeal, for sharing and giving to others, yet shining from places distant for real,
I will listen too!

Please, please Mehdi, I can't cry. Thank you for your gift.
I will always hear your infectious smile.

Mehdi, we will meet again!

Until then, check in sometime, as now;
Thank you for teaching us to smile your perpetual smile.