It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mr. Steve Douglas Cheatham, age 70, of Petersburg, Tennessee. Steve passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020, at his home in Petersburg.
Steve was born in Coldwater to the late Dyke and Faye Cheatham on July 29, 1949. He graduated from Central High School and went on to receive a degree in animal science from Middle Tennessee State University where he met his dearly loved wife of 45 years, Sheela “Mike” Michaelynn. They married on July 13, 1974 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and raised two sons together. Steve was crazy about his two grandchildren and will be missed by all, including his “girls” (cows) on the farm.
Steve served in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After his service, Steve began his banking career with Lincoln County Bank and was able to see his career through to the end with the Bank of Lincoln County. Steve remained in the Fayetteville area his entire life where he generously served the community and genuinely loved those in Lincoln County. He did not miss a Friday night Falcon football game and put countless miles on his car driving to MTSU football and Lady Raiders basketball games with friends. September was always a special time for Steve when the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration would come around. He was also passionate about Standard Breed horse racing and loved watching his horses run late at night. Steve was a member of the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sheela “Mike” Michaelynn Cheatham; his sons, Bart D. Cheatham and wife, Lauren Cheatham, of Chapel Hill, TN, and Rhett M. Cheatham and wife, Lauren P. Cheatham, of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Adleigh Cheatham and Reeves Cheatham; siblings, Dennis Cheatham of Nashville, TN, Dana Brown and husband, Mike, Mark McGee and wife, Sheree, and Mary Jane Porter and husband, Bobby, all of Fayetteville; and a host of close family. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Dyke Cheatham; his mother, Faye Cheatham McGee; and his stepfather, Dan McGee.
A private family service will be held for Mr. Cheatham with Rev. Jim Sorrells of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church officiating with burial following in the Carter Hills Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public gathering at this time.
Memorials may be given to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 1606 TN-130, Shelbyville, TN 37160.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Steve Douglas Cheatham.
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As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic and concern for the family of Mr. Cheatham, services will be private at this time. A public gathering may be scheduled for a later date. To honor social distancing and still allowing our community to support families in their time of need, you can sign the online guestbook at higginsfh.com. If you do not have access to the internet you may drop a card or condolence off at Higgins Funeral Home.
Steve was a true encouragement to me in my years of coaching at LCHS. Our deepest sympathy to his family. He was a such a nice man!
My heart breaks for you
Carmen
This man had time too visit when I came too visit family. Sorry for your loss
Praying for all Steve’s family and friends. He was such a kind gentleman.
Steve was a wonderful man that will be missed by so many. Mike, we love you and extend our sympathy to you, your sons and all of your family. I am sorry there cannot be a Funeral that he deserved.
Mike, Larry and I are thinking of you during this time of your loss. Steve was a dear friend. We shared a lot of wonderful times together with you and Steve. You and the boys and all of your family are in our prayers.
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. Please accept our deepest condolences at this sad time.
Mike and boys…we were deeply saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. We hold him and you tightly in our hearts. Steve will make heaven a better place.
My sympathy to you and your family at this time and pray that God will give you peace.
Tears and sympathy for the family. Steve was a respectful and kind person. I went to school with him. In later yrs. he gave me good advice that I followed. He helped me to get a start in credit and I’ve always kept a high rating because of his advice at Lincoln Co. Bank. An honorable person who will be missed.
Dear Mike & Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I only met Steve once or twice but he seemed very nice and willing and lovely man.
My thoughts and prayers!
Mike I am so sorry. He was a wonderful person. Always so nice and willing to help anyone. My prayers are with your family
My friend & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful gentleman and he so deeply loved you all. God has received a really good one. My heart is broken with you.
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless. Billy McGehee, Mary & Teresa Partin
So sad to hear of your loss. He will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Steve was a good man!
Mike,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will all be blessed with many wonderful memories of Steve.
Prayers for your family at this time.
Love in Christ,
Lynn
So sorry for your loss. Steve was my daughters boss (Jenny Anderson) . He was always so great to talk to! Prayers be with you all.
Thinking of Steve’s family at this difficult time. Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, and comfort in the midst of pain. Steve’ mom, Faye was my mother’s (Myra Abernathy)best friend and classmate. Our families would visit each other when we were in grade school. Mom and Faye remained besties until her death. My Dad owned Pulaski Stockyard so he knew Dan McGee too. Steve was a fine person and well thought by all. Our hearts are saddened to learn of your loss.
Dear Mike and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. God will keep you in his care and HE will give you peace.
I remember when you came home from Vietnam to be with your very sick father & family. Your love of family, friends & life was you, my old friend.
God Speed
Robert and I are so sorry to hear about Steve! We thought so much of him and would often stop by the bank to say hello when we returned from Florida to visit our family. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Mike,
I really feel blessed to have had the opportunity of meeting Steve once. He was one of the kindness men I’ve ever met. I think you two were wonderful hosts the weekend Lisa Finken and I came to your house. I’ll always treasure those memories. So very sorry for your loss and you and your family are in my prayer.
Barb Ryan
Rhett I am so sorry about Steve, he was such a nice, friendly person. I would always ask him about you and he would give me a little run down. We lived on Washington St. next door to Miss Marguerite Millard, her sister was Miss Ellen Cheatham. I think Miss Ellen was your grandmother or great grandmother. I always enjoyed talking to them. Miss Ellen was always so proud of her boys. I miss you, stop by to see me the next time you are here under better circumstances. I would love to hear about your children too. Love to you all, Charles’s Nana.
Our hearts hurt with you. We loved Steve so much. Prayers for comfort, healing, & peace. My kids grew up without a grandmother and i hate these sweet babies will not know the love their Grandpa Steve.💞
So very sorry to hear of Steve’s death. He was a true southern gentleman and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Steve face to face, I still remember him asking how to pronounce my last name through the patio door where he sat while I visited with Mike outside. When I said, “Lilja and the ‘J’ is silent,” he said, “Yes, maam.” So southern, such a gentleman. Mike, know that many of us have you in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing – my thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike, and your family at such a difficult time.
It was an honor to have known Steve. He had a genuine love for people and always a kind words. Mike,I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, but I know you are strong and surrounded by a loving family and church. May God bless you, wrapping his loving arms around you and give you peace.
To the Cheatham Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will greatly miss such a great and caring neighbor and long-time friend.
So sorry to hear this! Steve had the bottom bunk, I had the top! Roommates at AGR house! Good Memories of longtime friend! RIP
Steve was the epitome of a true southern gentleman. The world is a lesser place today without Steve. Never have I enjoyed working with anyone more than him. Mike, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts go out to you, Mike and your family.
Bob and Sally
So very sorry to hear about Steve. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy Strong Manley
Steve always took time to chat with me, ask how I was doing, and helped me with any banking business. I will miss seeing him when I go to the BOLC. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
A good man. Friend of my childhood. Honor to his memory.
We lost a friend and former a classmate.He always had time to talk and visit. He will be missed and the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
A good man. Always enjoyed seeing him at the Celebration and especially Lady Raider basketball games. Will be missed!!!
Mike, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and
your family. Steve was a true Southern Gentleman, always had a smile on his face. We were glad he was part of our church family. Enjoyed talking to him about the different horse
events. Well done good an faithful servant.
With Christian Love, Paul & Judy Gambill
Our deepest condolences to Mike and her family! We had the honor of meeting Steve at a puppy gathering at their house some years ago! What a gentleman! Sending many prayers to your family!
I am so sorry for everyone who knew and loved Steve. I loved his wonderful attitude and he will be missed for sure.
Mike – I was sorry to see the obit regarding Steve’s passing. He was a sweet gentle spirit in my life. My prayers are with you and the boys.
What deep sadness we feel at the loss of such a long time, dear friend. Many fond memories of those MTSU days in the early 1970s and AGR. Such happy times and still remember the way Steve used to kid Mike. Our heartfelt sympathy to Mike, Rhett, Bart and family members.
To all the Cheatham family,
We are heartbroken for each of you. We loved Steve, a true southern gentleman, and will miss our visits so much. He was an amazing man and will never be forgotten.
Dear Mike, I am very very sorry for your and your children’s loss. From a distance I wish you all a lot of strength in this difficult time.
My heart breaks for all of you. May God hold you and comfort you during this time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve was a great fellow he financed my first motorcycle when I was 15 yrs old. Started me out building credit as a young fellow. I always looked forward to sitting down and chatting with him at the bank. He will be missed by all. My prayers go out to the family.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time.
Phillip and Diane Knowles
Mike & family – I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Love & comfort to all of you
We are very sorry and will truly miss Steve!
Mike and family,
We are so very sorry, we are holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Steve adored you and his family, he was a gentleman with a smile as big as his heart. He is in Gods hands now and he will always be with you.
Our deepest sympathy, Roxann and Dale
Sweet Mike,
Steve has simply gone home. It is where we are all going; we are just traveling at different times. I am sad for your sorrow, but it is the price of love. You are in our hearts, Dear One.
Mike I am so sorry for your loss. May God confort you and your family. Hugs and prayers.
Dear Mike,
I’m so, so sorry. Steve was a perfect Southern gentleman. May the healing light of Christ surround you and give you strength. Hugs from Terry and all of these Bowen bred collies.
Mike, so sorry for the loss of Steve!! Praying you & your family will feel God’s loving arms around you, giving you strength, comfort & peace! Sending much love & hugs to you!!
We were so sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. Our hearts go out to Mike, Bart, Rhett and everyone who loved him! He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
Mike, Ashley and I were guests in your home many years ago and were doted upon with such extraordinary hospitality. Steve make us a southern breakfast that I will never forget. He was kind, gentle, and made us feel so welcome (as did you)! We grieve with you and wish you inner peace that rests on the precious memories that will always be with you. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. I didnt know him for a long time, but he sure did make me feel as if I did. So kind and helpful. RIH
Mikelin, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of your lost.
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a special man, always there for me. He will be missed.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I kept up with Steve through Mary Jane who told me how hard he fought. Steve will be missed by many.
Dear Mike,
I am so, so sorry. Sending you loving thoughts and strength for this difficult time.
All my best, Cindy Marvin
Steve will be greatly missed.
You are in our prayers
Pati and Grant Merrill
Mike I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, sending prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
Mike, my heart and best wishes go out to you and your family. Though I never had the honor of meeting your husband, I know you well and have always held you up as a pillar of our Breed. My heart hurts for you and your family and I know our Lord holds you all in his arms. May you feel the love of God and hold him and Steve close to your heart.
Mike and family, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of this great man. Know I am praying for you and the entire family. I know what it is like to lose someone so dear and my heart breaks for you all. May the Lord, Jesus Christ, hold you and comfort you until you meet again where the Rose’s never fade. All my love, Connie
Mrs. Mike, I am so sorry to read about Mr. Cheatham’s passing. Sending you & your family hugs & prayers. Sincerely, Tonya Cashion Shelton
Mike I’m sorry for your loss . Sounds like Steve led a rich and rewarding life.
A true gentleman through and through – so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful man and for all those that adored him. Hugs and prayers sent your way during this most difficult time.
Mike, Alan and I are so very sorry to hear that Steve has passed. What a great man! Our prayers are with you.
Our thoughts are with you and your family, Mike. Hunter and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Much love to you from us in Kentucky.
Dear Mike and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray you and your family find strength at this difficult time and know that you are in our prayers. May God give you peace and comfort.
I agree with others that Steve was a true Southern Gentleman, hard worker, always a Marine and truly devoted to his family. My heart goes out to Mike and his family.
You will always be remembered as a true friend and Southern Gentleman.
We were next door neighbors at Holly Park while attending MTSU in the early 70’s.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Mike and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Van & Melissa
Mike and family
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful person and classmate. He will be greatly missed.
Dianne Ables Parker
Cherry and Andy Womack
Judy Davidson
From the Campbell family, we are saddened by the loss of hearing of Steve’s passing ,he’s was a true and valuable friend,we are truly goin to miss him.
Dear Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. I will be praying for you at this sad time.
Mike I am so sorry about Steve. Never be another one like him. Such a sweet kind man. I enjoyed working with him for so many years. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love you.
Mike, we are heartbroken to hear this. Steve always had a smile and a kind word and never met a stranger. We always enjoyed the times our paths crossed. Your family is special and Steve will be sorely missed. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Mary Jane, Dana and families,
We are so sorry to hear about Steve. Please know that you are in our hearts and we will be thinking of all of you. Love and prayers, Jerry and Terry McGehee
So sorry for you loss. He was was a sweet man. Always had a smile on his face. Prayers for you all
I am sorry for your loss. Loved working at BOLC with Mr. Steve. He will be missed by so many. Prayers of comfort for his family today and the days ahead.
Steve was such a great man. He was a great husband and father and a pillar in his community. I know he was greatly loved by many, including me. He will be missed more than words can say. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mike and family… So sorry for your loss! Steve was a kind sweet person who always greeted you with a smile! He will be missed!
From everyone in my family, we’re so sorry. Steve was a great man, so well respected and loved. We’re thinking of you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful person. You are all in our thoughts and prayets.
Steve and I shared something special. Our mothers were very good friends. Every time I saw him, I knew that he was thinking of that. He was a very sweet and kind man.
Mike: So sorry.
Steve fought so hard. I always enjoyed talking with Steve.
He could always make me laugh. May your good memories warm your heart.
Mike & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Steve was the epitome of a Southern gentleman and quiet leader. He led a life that touched so many and served as a tremendous role model. And, it was evident there was nothing he loved more than his dearest wife and family. The Stelter family is grieving with you.
Our prayers go up for your family at this time of loss. May God comfort you all.
Rhett & family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Cheatham’s passing! You all are in our thoughts and prayers!
Ms. Mike, I’m so sorry to hear this. Prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a kindhearted man and I cherish our friendship. Keeping you and the family in my prayers.
Words can not express the lost of a very special friend…Steve was not only my banker but my friend… Sending hugs and prayers for the days ahead..
I am so so sorry for your loss
Words can not express how sorry I am to hear about Steve. He was not only my banker but a special friend..He will always have a special place in my heart..Sending much love and prayers during this time….
Mike, Bart and Rhett, I will always treasure my years of working with Steve but most of all with my friendship with him and all of you as well that has lasted even when we no longer worked together. When we saw each other, he never failed to ask me about my girls and grandchildren and I’ll never forget him telling me when he was going to be a grandfather and the smile that came on his face. It breaks my heart that I won’t be able to say a final goodbye to him and to see you all but I know that one day we will meet again and once again talk about our families! Love you all!
Mike ,
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a friend and had such a positive outlook. I am also sorry with what’s going on in the world, he won’t be able to have the funeral he deserves. You and family are in my prayers.
Mr. Steve was a true Blue Raider. We worked together on several alumni things for the ag department at MTSU. We both shared a love of our alma mater and agriculture. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers to the family at this time of great loss.
Lenace Hyde
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a great person. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am so very sorry Mike. My family is keeping you and your family in our prayers through this hard time. And if you need anything, let us know.
Mike and family
We are so sorry to hear about Steve. You all are in our thoughts and prayers
Our friendship with Steve and Mike goes back to 1970 at MTSU. So many good times through the years. Watching our kids grow up. It is surreal to be writing on his obituary. He was a beloved friend and will be greatly missed by his friends and the entire community. Sending love to you Mike, Bart and Rhett.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Steve. He is my first cousin. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Such a pleasant man. Enjoyed always visiting with him at horse shows and MTSU girls basketball games. A wonderful smile and mild demeanor. Will be missed. Prayers for Mike , sons and their families.
We are so sorry and are praying for your family at this difficult time. Steve will certainly be missed. We love you all!!
Jonathan and Mandy Porter and family
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. He was loved be many and will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you, the boys and your entire family.
So sorry Mike and family to hear this. He will be missed by all of our family as well as the banking family. Please know we are all thinking of you. Rest is peace Steve