Carroll Wright Cheek

92, of Clearwater Florida died on Memorial Day Monday May 27, 2013. Born March 31, 1921 in Columbus Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Mabel, son Michael Cheek and his companion Marsha Jordan; daughter Dr. Kathleen Cheek-Milby and her husband James D. Milby, and grandchildren Julie Anderson, Allyson Perry, Lindsay Turner, Michael S. Needler, Jr., James D. Milby, Jr. and Nicholas C. Milby and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his Father and Mother, The Reverend and Mrs. Guy Cheek, his brothers, Clyde Hastings Cheek and Willard Dale Cheek and his daughter, Susan Cheek Needler.

He served his country in World War II flying 33 combat missions as a pilot in a B-24 Liberator Bomber, flying with the 392nd Bomb Group out of Wendling, England. As a result of his service he was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 5 times received the Air Medal.

After the war he returned to Bowling Green Ohio to resume his life with vigor...Within 6 years he finished college, started a family, obtained a MBA at the University of Michigan, started owned and ran a highly successful restaurant ( The University Club) and by the age 29 was one of the founders of the Bowling Green Banking Company. During this time he taught part time at BGSU and shortly thereafter, earned his CPA degree. From there he opened several branch CPA offices in northwestern Ohio and also established Bowling Green Lumber Company. He also purchased department stores known as the Charles Company. In 1964 he started a supermarket chain. That enterprise expanded to several supermarkets in Ohio known as Great Scot, Sac N’ Save, and Food World. He later opened up stores in Florida operating under the names of Great Scot and Mr. C’s Warehouse Foods.

He served as a director of various businesses locally, nationally and internationally. He also generously gave time and money to several institutions included Ruth Eckerd Hall, Eckerd College, Bowling Green University, Morton Plant Mease Hospital and the Long Center. His generosity led to the creation of the Susan Cheek Needler Breast Cancer Center and the Cheek Powell Heart and Vascular Center at Morton Plant Hospital.

In 2006 he and his devoted wife Mabel were named Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be offered to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Friend are calling on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Ph# 727-562-2080. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, 411 West Turner Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay, Ohio. Condolences may be offered at www.mossfeasterlargo.com.