Billy M. Cheek, 86, died on Monday, July 17, 2023, after a stroke. A resident of the Newland, NC area for 28 years, Billy lived a multitude of places due to his 22-year career with the U.S. Air Force. His service led him to many states, including his home state of NC, Maine, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, Florida, and Virginia. He was also stationed in England, Germany, Japan, Libya, Thailand, and Vietnam, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Billy's hobbies were camping, fishing, hiking, remote control airplanes, sailing, and golf. He shared most of his hobbies with his family, especially his beloved wife Barbara, before she passed away shortly after their 50th anniversary.

Billy was born December 17, 1936, in Swepsonville, NC to the late Willie and Blannie Cheek of Graham, NC. He was preceded in death by his sister Jennie Barea, also of Graham, and his wife Barbara Cheek of Reading, England.

Billy is survived by his two daughters, Nicola Lefler and husband Michael of Cary, NC; and Michelle Clemens and husband Jim of Boone, NC. His grandchildren are Faye Kelley and husband Josh, of Boone, NC; Leah Alexander and husband Kyle, of Westcliffe, CO; Jarrett Lefler, of Cary, NC; and Jillian Lefler, of Charlotte, NC. His great-grandchildren are Levi, Jimmy, and Josie Kelley of Boone, NC. He is survived by his cousins Bobby Cheek and Jerry Cheek. Billy will also be missed by his extended family and friends in many states and countries, especially his dear friends, Margaret Manos, of Charlotte, NC, and Sandy Wright of Hedgesville, WV.

Billy's family would like to thank his doctors and nurses within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, especially the emergency departments of Cannon and Watauga Hospitals and the EMS of Avery County, for their kind and compassionate care of him.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life later this year.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangement.