William A. Cheek II

1946 — 2018

William A. (Bill) Cheek of Duluth, GA passed into the arms of his Lord on March 11, 2018 at the age of 71.

Bill was born on March 20, 1946 to William A. and Nancy B. Cheek in Louisa, Kentucky, where his father was an educator, high school principal and county superintendent of schools for over 36 years. Bill excelled in sports, playing football, basketball and baseball, as well as running track at Louisa High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at college he earned his private pilot’s license and a 2nd Lieutenant Commission through the ROTC program. He was proud to serve 5 years in the United States Army graduating from Ranger school, earning his helicopter license, and being a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He attained the rank of Captain, and completed his service in December, 1974.

While at U.K., Bill met the former Beverly Laise. They married in 1973 and moved to Atlanta in 1974. Over the next 35 years Bill traveled extensively as part of a long and successful career in the field of chemical/mineral sales. Bill was a member of Berkeley Hills Country Club, and later the Atlanta Athletic Club, where he and Bev enjoyed playing tennis, and where Bill was an avid golfer. He attended Northpoint Community Church. 

Bill loved travelling with his friends and family, the U.S military, fly fishing, the UK Wildcats, and a day at the beach with his music playing, and a good cigar. Most of all he loved his wife of 44 years, Bev, his sons William Burgess Cheek and Jeffrey Hayes Cheek (Michelle) and grandchildren Brooks and Ansley, all of Brookhaven, GA, who survive him. Bill is also survived by his sister Vicki Derifield (Gary) of Frankfort. Ky.