Irving McDonald Cheek Jr.

Born November 28, 1925 in Raleigh, N.C., he was the son of the late Irving M. Cheek and Beona Irene (George) Cheek.

He graduated from Hugh Morrison High School in Raleigh and NC State University in 1949 with a major in General Engineering. He was a War World II Veteran and infantry trained, last serving as a noncommissioned officer with Headquarters 2nd Armored Division.

He is survived by his best friend and devoted wife Helene Paul Cheek of 65 years, daughters Virginia Irene Bondeson of Stevens Point, WI, and Patricia Lorena Cheek of Greenville, SC, three grandsons Dave Bondeson (Heather) of Stevens Point, WI, John Bondeson (JennaRose) of Colombia Heights, MN, and Dan Bondeson of New Haven, CT, as well as his great grandchildren Leila, Eden, Eben, and Ellie.

He was predeceased by his sisters Barbara Lou Strickland (Chapel Hill) and Evelyn Whitaker (Garner) and his son-in-law Stephen R. Bondeson (Stevens Point, WI).

Irving was employed as a construction engineer and manager in Charlotte with regional, national and international contractors, lastly with J.A. Jones Company. He was a life member of the Charlotte Engineers Club, a former member of the NC State Society of Engineers and had been active in the Associated General Contractors of America.

Irving and his wife were members of Kilgo United Methodist Church now called the Vine United Methodist Church. He was active in the church as a choir member, usher, and member of the Council of Ministries, member of the Administrative Board, secretary, vice chair and chair member of the Memorial Committee and member and chair of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Biggers Fellowship Class.

He had many interests and loves including music (classical and jazz), reading (biographies and histories), family history and gardening. He was diverse and a well-read gentleman who could talk on any subject. He was a wealth of information with a love of learning and learning about others.

He was especially a family man and was interested in his family and their pursuits and lives. He wrote to his family – “I love all of you. It’s been a good life. Wouldn’t trade it for another at all.”

The family would especially like to express appreciation and thanks to those who provided such excellent care for him, especially Dr. Gardiner Roddey of Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr.Reza Nazemzadeh of Levine Cancer Institute and the staff of Community Health Care and Hospice.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Vine on Monday April 18th at 11 am, 2101 Belvedere Avenue, Charlotte. Visitation with the family will precede the service at 10 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Vine United Methodist Church.