Charlie Ray Cleek, 81, of Kingsport was welcomed into the Presence of God on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years, Alberta Bellamy Cleek, and by his adoring children who had tenderly cared for him at home. The Joy Bells of Heaven rang! Many whose lives he had touched greeted him as he stood at the feet of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
A longtime resident of Sullivan County, Charlie was born and raised in Gate City, Virginia. At an early age he learned the trade of carpentry, as well as brick and stone masonry, in order to help support his siblings. Many homes and business in the Kingsport area boast of the beauty and unique style of his craftsmanship. After 35+ years in business, and after teaching his sons the building trade, he retired and turned the business over to his oldest son, Dennis Cleek. Upon his early retirement, he spent nearly 30 years living his simple yet lifelong dreams with his wife. They traveled extensively across the country and were known to be found on many different lakes and rivers that held the “promise of good fishing.” His love for God and family always came first, followed by his love for traveling, camping and fishing. Charlie made many wonderful friends in his travels and he “touched” countless lives with his faith, character, humble spirit and wisdom. Not only was he a good fisherman, he was also a “Fisher of Men.” His name is always spoken with Love, Dignity and Respect. He left a wonderful legacy for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was admired for his joy of life and his uncanny ability to “fix things.” Charlie taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon for many years. A member of Charity Baptist Church for 17 years, he was instrumental in serving the Lord in several building projects at Charity. He taught his church family how to make apple butter the old-fashioned way and this is still a yearly event as a fund raiser for the youth of Charity Baptist. He was lovingly referred to as “Papaw” by young and old alike who loved him dearly.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, John Kelly Cleek and Ollie Mae Catron Cleek. By four brothers: Ernest, Harold, Harry and Don; and by one sister, Clara Hammonds. In addition to his wife, Alberta, surviving are two daughters: Teresa Fillers Fleenor and Peggy Smith and husband, Ivan of Kingsport. Three sons: Dennis Cleek and wife, Dawn; Perry Cleek and wife, Debbie all of Kingsport. And Steven Cleek and wife, Vivian of Knoxville. Six grandsons: Jeff Fleenor, Justin Fleenor, Wes Smith, Michael Smith, Matthew Cleek and Chad Cleek. Six granddaughters: Angel Light, Jessica Holbrook, Tina Pickel, Amy Ketron, Susan Rice and Torie Kendall. And twenty four great grandchildren, one of which is yet to be born. Charlie was the “hero” of his grand children and taught them the importance of honesty and integrity, as well as the fun of making “magic fire” and “biscuits on a stick.” All of Charlie grandkids will forever treasure the memories made with “Papaw” on many family camping trips. Charlie is also survived by two brothers, Bobby Cleek and Carl Cleek of Gate City; and by two sisters, June Chard and Shirley Bledsoe of Kingsport.
The family will receive friends on Friday (April 30, 2010) from 6-8pm at Charity Baptist Church, 3020 Highway 126, Blountville, TN 37617. A memorial service will follow with Charlie’s son, Pastor Perry Cleek delivering the “celebration of life” message. Also participating in the service will be Pastor Charles Brooks, and Brother Tom Harper. The music that Charlie loved will be shared by family members and the Charity church family. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday (May 1, 2010) in East Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Those attending the graveside services are asked to assemble at the graveside by 10:45 am Saturday. Family and friends are welcome anytime at the Cleek family home on “Cleek’s Peak.” Please freely share with the family how Charlie has touched your life at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Cleek Family.
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