Eugene "Gene" Cheek

Eugene “Gene” Cheek, 90, of Maryville and formerly of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2020.

Mr. Cheek was of the Baptist faith. Gene faithfully served our country as a Tech Sargent with the United States Air Force.  His duties began with the Air Police followed by being a member of the first United States Air Force drill team in Washington D.C. In addition to many assignments here in the United States he served in multiple deployments to Canada, Morocco and Spain as well as serving during the Vietnam War in Thailand. During the majority of his career he served in the Strategic Air Command and the Tactical Air Command.

Gene loved fishing from the beach at St. George Island and RV travel with his late wife, Winnie and loved spending time with his family.  He was a wonderful man and made such a positive impact on so many.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Juanita “Winnie”  Marks Cheek; son, David Cheek, parents, Arthur Cheek and Myrtle Bain Cheek; grandson, Steven Jones; siblings, Leona Cheek Park, Hubert Cheek, and J.L. Cheek; and brothers-in-law, Jim Napier and Franklin Park.

Survivors include his loving children, Cinda (Gerald) Weller, Gene (Mary) Cheek, Terry (Joann) Cheek; sister, Delores (Kenneth) Wilson; sisters-in-law, Ruth Napier Brock and Betty Cheek Spicer and ; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home.  Inurnment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens with military honors.

His family will receive friends from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Morning View Village Assisted Living in Maryville, TN and to Shirley Bales, his exceptional caregiver friend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Gene’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.  (423) 338-2834