Jerry Cheek

Thomas “Jerry” Cheek, a long-time resident of Culleoka, passed away on Wednesday May 27, 2026 surrounded by his family at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee.

Born March 19, 1940 in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Jerry was the son of the late Thomas and Helen Waldrop Cheek. At an early age, his grandfather gave him the nickname of “Jimmy.” No one, including Jerry, knew why he was nicknamed “Jimmy,” but it stuck. Most people in Lewisburg still know Jerry by his nickname to this day.

Jerry graduated from Marshall County High School in 1959. When speaking of his childhood, he often said the only thing to do in Lewisburg was play ball. Jerry played baseball and basketball, but his favorite sport was football. Jerry played for the Marshall County Tiger’s football team, and he was always quick to let you know he not only played quarterback, but played defense as well.

Jerry worked a number of jobs from Borden’s Milk to Cathey Furniture Co. in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Using the experience he gained from Cathey Furniture Co., and with guidance from a blind master upholsterer, Jerry learned the ins and outs of the upholstery trade. Jerry first opened Culleoka Upholstery, and, later, Columbia Upholstery—a business he owned and operated for over forty years.

His family will remember him as a hard-working man. The family doubts if he ever took a day off sick from work. Still, he took time to enjoy life. Jerry loved fishing and spending weekends with his family at their camp near Wheeler Dam. Jerry was also a life-long Tennessee Volunteers fan and enjoyed watching games in-person. Together, he and his wife travelled to several stadiums to watch the Vols, including Notre Dame at South Bend, the “Swamp” at the University of Florida, and, of course, several trips to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Jerry was rarely seen without a Tennessee ballcap.

In retirement, Jerry could often be found at home working on his 1951 Ford Coupe or piddling in his shop. He also discovered a love of cooking, and took joy in preparing meals for his family and reading cookbooks. He was also a proud member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

On May 2, 1964, Jerry married Betty Skinner of Culleoka, Tennessee. In addition to his wife, Betty, Jerry is survived by their three children—Tammy (Charles) Southern of Culleoka, Kim Davis of Columbia, and Brandy (Joseph) Galioto of Elkmont, Alabama. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Adam (Kayla) Southern of Culleoka, Chelsey Davis (Tyler Jones) of Cornersville, Emily Davis (Jordan Freke) of Culleoka, Abby Davis (Lawson Brock) of Columbia, Autumn Leatherwood of Plum, Pennsylvania and Amberly Leatherwood of Tanner, Alabama, two great-grandchildren Harper Jones and Baylee Messner, and a special “grand dog,” Otis Campbell Southern.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his sister, Emily Jane.

Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with a graveside service to be held at Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Historic Elm Springs, P.O. Box 59, Columbia, TN 38402.

Pallbearers will be Charles Southern, Joseph Galioto, Gart Davis, Jeff Harwell, David Smith, and Adam Southern. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Powell and other former employees of Columbia Upholstery.