Larry Henry Cheek

Larry Henry Cheek, 85

Larry Henry Cheek, age 85, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 15, 2026. Born in Spencer County, Larry was the son of Howard Hillary and Mary Elizabeth Brookshire Cheek. A lifelong resident of Spencer County, he graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1958 and was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville.
Larry earned his undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University in 1962, followed by his master's degree in 1965 and his Rank 1 in school administration in 1970. He began his career with Spencer County Schools as a teacher and assistant coach before becoming head coach, proudly leading his teams to an impressive 85–29 record.
While teaching, Larry also worked for two years as a Farm Bureau agent. In 1970, he became principal of Bloomfield Middle School and later Eli Brown Elementary School, where he completed his distinguished career in education. He retired after 34 years of dedicated service.
Larry was an active member of the Nelson County Education Association, the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Administrators. He was honored as Kentucky Principal of the Year in 1993. He served on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Principals for 23 years and continued representing retired principals following his retirement in 1996.
Beyond education, Larry was what many would call a serial entrepreneur. He served on the Board of Directors for The Peoples Bank from 1994 to 2020 and on the Spencer County Board of Health from 1998 to 2021. He was a lifelong farmer, tobacco surveyor, avid golfer, antique collector, business partner in grocery stores, shared owner of the Hampton Inn in Richmond, Kentucky and a proud Kentucky Colonel. A devoted Kentucky Wildcats and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers fan, he especially enjoyed tailgating for football games.
Larry cherished daily coffee time with his buddies DL Chowning, Donnie Roberts and Dale Simpson. His greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He dearly loved his cats, Amy and Kiki, and held fond memories of friendships formed in high school, at Western Kentucky University and during his years at Old Kentucky Home Country Club.
He is survived by his brothers, Francis Warren Cheek (Donna) and Ronald Wood Cheek (Lora); his beloved wife, Anna Ruth Cheek; his son, Brian Keith Cheek (Janie); his daughter, Lori Ann Cheek; and his treasured grandchildren, Jonathan Isaac, Sophia Jane and Anna Gentry Cheek.
Funeral services for Larry Henry Cheek will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Greenwell-Houghlin Funeral Home in Taylorsville. Pastor Chance McConnell will officiate. Interment will be in Highland Memory Gardens and will be private. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the funeral service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Taylorsville First Baptist Church.
The Greenwell-Houghlin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.