Walter Ray Cheek

     Walter "Ray" Cheek, 81, of Marion, passed away Friday, August 4, 2023 at Mission McDowell Hospital.

     Ray was born in McDowell County, NC on April 24, 1942, to the late Lee Adam Cheek and Flossie Thelma McKinney Cheek. He was married to his wife of 21 years, Reba McKinney Cheek. Ray was a Christian who served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict, where he earned a Bronze Star. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Textiles from NC State University. Ray enjoyed gardening, playing golf, and was proud to adhere to time honored traditions. He had a jovial personality with a great sense of humor. Most of all, Ray loved his family with all his heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.

     In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Cheek Hollifield; and two brothers, Lee Adam “Buddy” Cheek Jr. and Leonard Maxwell Cheek.

     Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Reba Cheek; two daughters, Dana Lee Wells (Jason) and Kerri Parker Parker; a grandson, Heath Garrison Parker; two nieces, Dianne Hollifield Hollifield (Scott) and Chris Higgins (Greg); and a sister in law, Chiyoko Cheek.

      A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.