Ernest “Ernie” Martin Cheek, 84, of Sparta, passed away April 7, 2023, at his home. He was born Jan. 12, 1939, in Sewanee, Tennessee, to John Wilson Cheek and Sally Martin Cheek.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Andrews Cheek; and his sister, Sue Cheek McElroy.
He graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of the South, in 1961. A member of Phi Gamma fraternity, Ernie also played football for Sewanee. He served as co-captain his senior year, alongside Jody Gee. In 2009, his undefeated team was inducted into the Sewanee Hall of Fame.
Ernie spent more than 40 years serving his community as an insurance agent. He began his career in Memphis with Travelers Insurance and later formed Cheek Insurance Agency Inc., in Sparta, as an independent agent. There, he helped his neighbors protect their families and assets until he retired, in 2008.
After putting down roots in Sparta, Ernie grew to love and serve White County. He was president of the Sparta Jaycees and the Jaycees National Director. The Jaycees named him Young Man of the Year for White County. He also served as United Fund Chairman, Lions Club President, Chamber of Commerce President, President of the White County Quarterback Club, Baker School PTA President, Girl Scout Liaison, Sparta First United Methodist Church Trustee, Caney Fork & Western Railroad board member, Highland Cemetery board member, Sparta Housing Authority board member, Insurers of Tennessee member, founder and president of Upper Cumberland Insurers, and Co-Grand Marshall with Jim Sutcliffe for the 2022 Sparta Rotary Christmas Parade. He was also recently awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Sparta Rotary Club.
The White County teams knew Ernie as an avid fan, and his enthusiasm for The University of the South football team didn't wane a bit after his graduation. His blood ran maroon and gray for the White County Warriors and purple for the Sewanee Tigers.
He is well known for his love of parades and vintage automobiles - including the Hupmobile he cruised down Bockman Way for years - and his decades of faithfulness to Sparta's First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include three children, John (Jongee) Cheek, Courtney (David) Vaughn, Julie (Mike) Anderson; six grandchildren, Rachel Cheek, Will (Amber) Cheek, Julia (Tyler) Gaffney, Tyler Vaughn, Seth Anderson, Caroline (Todd) Holman; eight great-grandchildren, Adalee, Blaine, Tatum Jane, Walker Holman - Lake Parker and Lively Mae Anderson - Campbell Mae Cheek, Goldie Gwen Gaffney; and sister, Rachel Cheek Smith, of Knoxville.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., April 12, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Sparta, with burial in Highland Cemetery. The Rev. Jimmy Lindsey, Dr. John McCardell Jr., Dr. Joel Cunningham, and Bro. Hyeon Hong will officiate. The family will welcome friends 5-8 p.m., April 11, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m., April 12, at the church
Pallbearers to serve are Seth Anderson, Tyler Vaughn, Will Cheek, Todd Holman, Wayne Rogers, Bill West, Jeremy Wilhelm, Marcus Knight, and Rodney Knight.
Honorary pallbearers are Frank Pendleton, Jim Sutcliffe, John McElroy, and John Knowles.
Memorials can be made to The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, for Abbo's Alley Fund, 735 University Ave., Sewanee, Tennessee 37383.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
