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.
