Obituary of Joel Marvin Cheek II

Joel Marvin Cheek II passed away at home on September 29, 2024.  Joel was a sweet, loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.  He loved his Tar Heels and his slice of paradise at Atlantic Beach.  He enjoyed fishing, all Carolina sports, especially baseball and basketball, and mowing his grass.  Joel’s yard was his pride and joy and no one could take care of it like he did.

Joel was a member of the North Carolina National Guard for almost 20 years.  He was a volunteer fireman with the Carrboro Fire Department for about 20 years.  He so loved his time in the fire department, achieving the rank of Captain.  He was proud of his contributions to this first-class organization.

Joel was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth R. Cheek, mother Mary White Cheek, and niece Beth Freeman Arnaud.  He is survived by his wife of 50 years Kathy, son Christopher Cheek, daughter Meredith (Jason) Castevens, grandchildren Brittany Castevens, Taylor Castevens, Bryan Castevens, Hunter Cheek and Natalie Cheek; sister Lydia (Larry) Freeman, brother Kenneth (Charlotte) Cheek, nieces Kim (Dale) Edmonds, Michelle (Mike) Castro, Amy (Don) Riley and many great nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held Saturday October 5 at 1:00 pm at Walkers Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, followed by a service in the chapel at 2:00 pm 

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his wonderful medical team including Dr. Neil Shah, Dr. Christine Gladman and UNC Hospice nurse Dawne.