Ray W Cheek

Ray Winfred Cheek, 86, Maury County native and resident of Mountain Grove, Missouri, died Sunday, March 13, 2016 in Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 6:30 P.M. at First Free Will Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, Missouri under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. A time for visiting and fellowship will follow with blackberry cobbler and ice cream. The family suggests memorials to Free Will Baptist Missions, c/o Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, 315 N Main St, Mountain Grove, MO 65711. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with local announcements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born July 19, 1929 in Columbia, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Ercell Carmack Cheek and Gladys Louise Frank Cheek. Ray lived most of his adult life in Key West, Florida, then moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he lived out the rest of his life. He proudly served in the U. S. Marine Corps. Ray loved to be outdoors, whether he was mowing or just resting on his bench watching the birds down at the spring. He was a handyman who loved helping with all building projects. He was a member, prayer warrior, and greeter at First Free Will Baptist Church in Mountain Grove. Ray was a great example of a Godly man and was a witness for Jesus to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his daughters, Teresa Louise (Bill) Laney of Orlando, FL and Robin Estevez of Key West, FL; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Little, Tamela (Brett) Remmillard, Manuel (Krystel) Estevez, Ryan Brommer, and Dylon Estevez; great grandchildren, Scott Little, Jr., Aidan Little, Andrew Remmillard, Noah Remmillard, and Manuel Estevez, Jr.; brother, Calvin (Anita) Cheek of Theta Community; sisters, Myrna (Clayton) Jett and Donna (Alton) Walker, both of Columbia, and Cynthia Cheek Spicer of Fairview; and his adopted family, the Kicklighters: David, Lisa, Megan, Carl, Aaron, Katie, and Liam. He was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Frankie & Glen Rector of Vancouver, WA.