Herschel “Wayne” Cheatwood, age 83, died peacefully in his home Sunday, December 18, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. He was devoted to his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Thomas) Cheatwood of 57 years until her death two years prior and was a hero and exemplary example to his family until death. He graduated in 1957 Talladega High School. He also served in the Army National Guard. He was a skilled machinist for many years at Southern Tool Machine Shop in Oxford and later worked over 25+ years and retired from Kimberly Clark in Coosa Pines, AL in 2001.
Wayne was born in Talladega, AL March 30, 1939 to Willie Mae (Adams) Cheatwood and Haskell Vernon Cheatwood. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife.
Everyone who ever came in contact with Wayne, especially his family and close friends were given nicknames. He had a quick wit about him and always had a smile, kind word and story for everyone. His hobbies included playing the guitar and studying the German language to keep his mind sharp. He had a deep love for his family and was a community servant delivering meals with the Red Door Kitchen. He was a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church.
He is survived by his two children, Brent Cheatwood (Kim) of Lincoln AL and Melissa Spencer (Tony) of Cleveland, TN. He had nine grandchildren: Hunter (Mary Beth) Spencer, Houston (Mikhayla) Spencer, Holt Spencer, Hayden Spencer, Mary Grace (Brandon) Gillespie, Harrison Cheatwood, Pate Cheatwood, Sallie Elisabeth Cheatwood and Cameron Cheatwood
He had four great-grandchildren: Fletcher Ray Spencer, Mila June Spencer, Bowen Wayne Spencer and Leighton Mae Spencer
There will be a Celebration of Life Service, December 27th at 2:00 PM at Ridgeview Baptist Church, 1711 Allison Mill Rd, Talladega AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family request to help end childhood cancer by making a donation to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, one of Wayne’s favorite charities.
