Obituary of J. Paul Cheek, Jr.
Junius Paul Cheek Jr, of Chapel Hill, NC, died suddenly on 18th July 2018, just two weeks short of his 79th birthday.
A 24 year veteran of the US Navy, Paul Jr., as he was known, was the son of Junius Paul Cheek Sr. and Roma Sawyer Cheek. He is survived by daughter Lisa Cheek and husband Chris Johnson of Woodland Hills, CA, daughter Samantha Swan and husband Roby Swan of Chapel Hill, and son Stephen Cheek and wife Donna Cheek of Southern Pines who gifted him his three grandchildren – Carolyn, Macy and Duncan.
Tar Heel born and bred, Paul began life in Raleigh, NC on the brink of World War II, which intellectually and emotionally consumed the rest of his life. He spoke of the 'greatest generation', retold their struggles and loved learning their history.
He began his illustrious career as a paper boy for the Herald Sun, something he was proud of, which ignited his lifelong fascination of current events and world affairs.
He played basketball, football and baseball for Chapel Hill High School where in 1957, he was on the state championship basketball team. After receiving his Political Science degree from Stetson in 1961, he served at sea in the Pacific until the Vietnam conflict. Returning home to North Carolina, he finished his Master of Arts in Political Science with a certificate in International Affairs at UNC - Chapel Hill.
He worked worldwide in manufacturing and human resources where he rose to be the Vice President of Human Resources of Siebe PLC, an international conglomerate based in Windsor, UK. He spent 20 more years in the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1984, as Commander.
His greatest joy was travel. His passion for seeing the world fueled his interest and desire to learn about other cultures, history and nature. He particularly loved being at sea on cruises. Sea days were his favorite days as they reminded him of his naval career.
Even though he grew up being an only child, he loved entertaining family and friends – there was no differentiation between the two – in his home. He was a devoted son, father, friend and community member. He was an active participate in the RSVP volunteer organization and worked with the Carrboro Town Hall for many years.
He would want his friends and family to remember him for his hospitality, loyalty and his love of Christmas, birthdays, North Carolina and the United States of America.
As were his wishes, arrangements are being made for burial in Arlington Natrional Cemetery.
Donations in his memory are requested for the following: United Service Organizations, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677; Orange County Animal Shelter, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assiting the Cheek family.
