Obituary of William Ray Cheek

William Ray “Bill” Cheek, 79, husband of Linda Faye Ballew Cheek for 61 years, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Mr. Cheek was born in Bryson City, NC to the late James Beaman Cheek and Lillian Josephine Shuler Cheek. He retired from MEMC Electronics and attended Friendship Baptist Church. Bill was known for his meticulous trade exhibitions of old-time mule and plow farming. He loved mules and restored mule-drawn farm equipment as a hobby. Friends and family knew his trademark slogan, “I have the best mules in the country!” Bill loved piddling in his barn, horse-back riding, and camping. He absolutely loved westerns and was a big fan of Gunsmoke. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, James Cheek and wife Sheila; a daughter, Pat Lyda and husband George; a brother, Ricky Cheek and wife Victoria; and a sister, Verna Jo Carter. He was predeceased by a brother, Earl Beaman Cheek; and two sisters, Joyce Sprouse and Judy Ann Cheek. Friends and Family are invited to a Graveside Celebration of Bill’s Life at 2 o’clock Sunday at Cannon Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Fletcher Funeral Service