Russell lyle Cheatham III

Cheatham, Russell lyle III

66, passed away Aug. 30, 2025 at his residence in Pinellas Park, FL. Russ was born Oct. 19, 1961 in Washington, DC. He was the beloved son of Russell Cheatham II and Jeanne Cheatham. Russ was raised primarily in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Russ is survived by his wife, Kristina (Dover) Cheatham; his mother, Jeanne; his two children, Caroline and Russell "Lyle" IV; stepdaughter, Alexandra Dover; sister, Courtney (Bell), and his brother, Christopher. Russ was predeceased by his father. His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and the many dear friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.

Russ was a graduate of Stetson School of Law, Class of 1983. He was admitted into the Florida Bar Association in 1984. Previous to obtaining his law degree, Russ graduated with academic honors from South Plantation High School and also received a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology in 1980 from Stetson University. Prior to the establishment of his private law practice in Pinellas County, Russ was an associate with English, McCaughan & Bryan in Ft. Lauderdale and was later an associate with Fisher and Sauls, P.A. in St. Petersburg, FL. Russ's dedication to the community was evidenced by the hundreds of hours of pro bono service work he provided, primarily from referrals for the Community Law Program. Additionally, he served as a pro bono guardian ad litem in several of these cases. Russ also staffed several clinics sponsored by the St. Petersburg Bar Association and Community Law Program. He was the recipient of numerous certificates of appreciation from the Community Law Program and was awarded its 1998 Pro Bono Award for outstanding dedication to providing legal services to the poor of Pinellas County. Russ was also the recipient of The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award in 2000.

Further accolades include Russ's service as Chair, Board of Directors - Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, commissioner on the board of Redington Beach, and recipient of a St. Petersburg Leadership award. He was voted the St. Petersburg Legal Secretary's Association Boss of the Year for 1991 -1992.

Russ was an avid boater and loved spending time at the beach. As such and in his honor, a celebration of life will be held at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach (5600 Gulf Boulevard) "Salty's Bar & Grille" on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 beginning with a 4 pm reception, followed by a service and beachfront candlelight vigil. Requested attire is beach-casual.

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