Deacon John Willis Cheatwood

1924 - 2008

On Wednesday, December 10, 2009, Deacon John Willis Cheatwood, of Bedford County, Va., was called to his heavenly home. He was born on September 9, 1924, to the late Walter and Vedia Stewart Cheatwood in Bedford County. He joined the Otterville Baptist Church at an early age where he was a faithful member until failing health was thrust upon him. He became a Deacon in 1969 and served for many years as Chairman of the Deacon Board as well as church trustee. He was also a faithful member of the men's chorus. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; and his wife, Dorothy Edna Rixey Cheatwood. He leaves to cherish his memory, four daughters, Ida Roberta Whorley (Roger), of Goodview, Hilda Mae Hayes (Ronald), of Lynchburg, Edna Marian Jackson (Thomas TJ) and Janice C. Lewis (Donald), both of Bedford; three sons, John W. Cheatwood (Anita), Walter L. Cheatwood (Linda), and Vernon W. Cheatwood (Karen), all of Bedford; two sisters, Rose Spinner, of Bedford, and Annie Bernice Haynes, of Maryland; one brother-in-law, Floyd Brown, of Roanoke; 13 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Otterville Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. M.D. Mays officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. His remains will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family is receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at Community Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 1235 Sourwood Lane, Bedford. The cortege will assemble at the residence. Condolences may be emailed to comfuneral@aol.com Community Funeral Home directing.