Hurley Clinton “Pete” Cheek, Jr. 93 of West End, passed on Thursday, June 11, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
A graveside service will be held 11AM Tuesday, June 16, 2024 at the West End Cemetery with Rev. Darrell Cheek officiating followed by a reception and visitation time at the Seven Lakes West Community Center.
Pete was born September 4, 1930 in Crew, VA to the late Hurley Clinton Cheek, Sr. and Alberta Ritter Cheek. He passed quickly & peacefully less than 2 months’ shy of his 94th birthday with his sons by his side.
There are a few things you know if you knew Pete Cheek: He took pride in being dressed to the nines. Always “sharp” from his stark white hair to his stark white boat shoes. He so enjoyed a bright sport coat with matching pocket square & tie. He may have been color blind but you’d never know it.
He loved the art of a good flirt. He’d flirt with a paper bag. Always joking, handing out compliments & surfing for a compliment in return. He greeted everyone with a smile & they knew they had an instant friend. This is why he was the perfect fit to work at the funeral home in his retirement years…he made everyone feel lighter.
He had a great appreciation for a sparkling clean Cadillac. The streets of West End will surely miss his slow rolls through town in his red 1965 Cadillac convertible, American flags thoughtfully mounted on each side that gently flapped in the wind while he passed with a friendly smile & wave.
He loved music…especially Carolina beach music. In his younger years, he’d dance. In his older years, he’d tap his foot. There was always music, not only in the car, but, he & grandma even kept the music playing in the living room when they weren’t home. And he’d always sing along with the timbre only those classic voices carry.
He was so tight with money that, as my dad says, he “squeaked when he walked”. He loved a free meal & never left a speck of food on a plate. I still think it’s hilarious that grandma Beckie had a secret credit card he didn’t know about until her passing. He was surely shocked when he discovered the actual price of colorful pocket squares & matching ties.
He loved a tomato sandwich…. but not just any tomato sandwich. He preferred it to be a little soggy so it had to sit a while after it was made before he’d enjoy every last morsel. And he looked forward to Thanksgiving every year when he’d enjoy Aunt Kathie’s pinto beans & collard greens. He’d always say “I should watch my waistline” but he’d never pass on Whitney’s chocolate pies or moms blueberry congealed salad.
He was so proud of his family. So proud of his sons & all they accomplished. He never failed to tell me how proud he was of me & every single time I ever called, he’d answer with the brightest “hello, sunshine!”. Goodness I’ll miss our Tuesday chats. And I’m so thankful that my last call with him started with his usual “hello, sunshine!!” & ended with “I love you”.
But how blessed I have been. Blessed to have lived almost 41 years of my life with the continual love, admiration, encouragement & connection that only grandparents can give. So here’s to you, Papa Pete…here’s to always giving a friendly smile & wave. Here’s to dressing sharp & always keeping the music playing.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Rebecca “Beckie” Garner Cheek on November 13, 2014. Also preceding him in death was two sons, Greg & Dale Cheek and a brother, Gerald Cheek and a sister Shirley Garrison.
He is survived by his sons, David Cheek (wife Jerry) of West End, and Rev. Darrell Cheek (wife Donna) of Powder Springs, GA; eight grandchildren, Tyler Cheek, Holden Cheek and (wife Evon), Connor Cheek, Katie Deese (husband Cody), Matthew Cheek (Wife Whitney), Andrea Kinsey, Heidi Lawson (husband Bronzie), and April Davidson (husband Greg) and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.
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