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Celebrating the life of

John Cheeks, Sr.

March 04, 1942 - October 16, 2022

John Cheeks, Sr.

John Cheeks, Sr., 80, of Savannah, GA, and husband of June McLeod Cheeks died Sunday morning, October 16, 2022.

Born in Louisville, GA, to the late Clarence Cheeks, Sr., and Maude Gay Cheeks.  John served as a police officer for more than 37 years.  He began his career working three years with the Thunderbolt Police Department before serving with the Chatham County Police  Department where he retired as a Captain in 2003 after 34 years of service..  John was a member of the Catholic faith.  He loved fishing, playing guitar, Georgia Bulldogs, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. John's passion was spending time with his loving family and his devoted friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his siblings, Irene DeLoach, Clarence Cheeks, Jr., Frank Cheeks, Betty Braswell; and a grandson, John Michael Cheeks. 

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, June McLeod Cheeks; a daughter and her husband, Theresa Cheeks Norris and Steven Norris; son and his wife  John Cheeks, Jr.. and Angie Cheeks; five grandchildren, Josiah Cheeks, his girlfriend Ashley King; Paul Cheeks, his wife Kara Cheeks; Brittany Norris Rogers, Brittany's husband, Daniel Rogers; Stephanie Cheeks, Stephanie's boyfriend, Gary Ray; Madisen Norris McDaniel and, her husband Les McDaniel; four great-grandchildren, Avery Rogers, Jace Cheeks, Adam Rogers and Dylan Rose Cheeks.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday,October 21, 2022 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the visitation. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers the family is suggests you consider a donation in John's memory to The Peace Officers Association of Georgia Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1040, Redisville, GA 30453 (www.poag-foundation.org)

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

My deepest thoughts go out to my sister and her family. John was so kind and considerate to everyone. Sis I’ve n missed you over the years we missed seeing each other time we will never get back. I’ll see you on Thursday morning and just know I Luv You and John . Johnny

- John McLeod , Myrtle Beach , SC

Mom and I are thinking of all of you today and in the days to come. There is a void not seeing Mr. Cheeks commenting on all my Facebook post! Amo!

- Libby & Ann Scott , Savannah , Ga

I am truly sorry for your loss. John was like a brother to me. We fish in the summertime in Fort Stewart we fished in the winter time and Herb River. John Taught me a lot about fishing that I didn’t know. I think he like to fish at Fort Stewart most of all. God knows I will miss him. He talked a lot about June, how she would take care of him when he was sick. God Bless His Family.

- Jimmy Hieronymus , Savannah , Georgia

June and family - So very sorry to hear about John's passing. He was the best boss I ever had, and I remember fondly his warm sense of humor, especially when it was directed at Yankees like me. It warmed my heart that he continued to follow the lives of my family and me, always offering words of praise when I posted news about my son or daughter on Facebook. He is going to be greatly missed.

- Mark & Amber Lupus, Savannah, GA

I am truly sorry for your loss. John was like a brother to me. We finished in Fort Stewart in the summertime in the winter time we fished in Herb River. I think John enjoyed fishing at Fort Stewart but Herb river was find. John was like a brother to me, God knows I will miss him. I know he loved his wife June, she was there when he was sick and when he was grumpy. God bless the family and know they will truly missed him.

- Jimmy Hieronymus , Savannah , Georgia

Words cannot begin to express the sorrow and heartache I feel right now. John, you were, and always will be, one of the best friends I ever had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with and for. You were instrumental in my becoming a law enforcement officer with the Chatham County Police Department, you were my first watch commander, you were my mentor, and above all you were my friend. I know, with all my heart, you are now in a better place. Thank you for your guidance, your caring, and most of all your friendship. You will never be forgotten, my friend. Rest easy, Sir. You have earned it. Godspeed!

- Thomas E Sexton, Guyton, GA

John was a good friend. We worked on the S.T.E.P. Together from the time it was started. It was always a pleasure working with John. There are only 2 of us left from the original traffic unit. RIP. John

- Robert (RP) Taylor, Savannah, GA

Theresa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to meet your dad when we went to have him adopt a dog. I could tell right then that he was a gentle and loving soul. May your memories of him sustain you during this difficult time.

- Sarah Moorhead, Savannah, GA

I am sorry to hear of your loss and send my deepest sympathy to the whole family

- Carole Reeks, Taunton, Somerset uk

Sorry to hear of John's passing. He was always a supervisor willing to pass down his knowlwdge and wisdom to the next generation. Thanks for his service to the Savannah community.

- Scott Armstrong, Savannah, GA

John was a good friend. We worked on the S.T.E.P. Together from the time it was started. It was always a pleasure working with John. There are only 2 of us left from the original traffic unit. Thoughts and prayers to the family.RIP. John

- Robert (RP) Taylor, Savannah, GA

John was a good friend. We worked on the S.T.E.P. Together from the time it was started. It was always a pleasure working with John. There are only 2 of us left from the original traffic unit. Thoughts and prayers to the family.RIP. John

- Robert (RP) Taylor, Savannah, GA

Worked with John in the old courthouse for a few yeears and saw him frequently after. Such a nice guy and always had to stop and talk to him whenever he came around. My condolences to the family.

- Marc Moss, Rogersville, Tennessee

So sorry for your loss may God bless yall

- Sharman Rogers, Savannah, Georgia

June so sorry for your loss John was good friend to my husband Harvey Lowery.

- Lynda Lowery, Savannah, Ga.

Rest in Peace John and my sincere condolences to your family at this very sad time. Margie Tracy, Blairsville, Georgia

- Margie Tracy, Blairsville , GA

Theresa and family are in my prayers. The love and peace of Jesus always.

- Gloria W Frazier, SAVANNAH, GA

John was my first Watch Commander at the Chatham County Police Department and it was obvious from the very beginning that he cared immensely about the people that he worked with. John mentored me throughout my career even after he retired. I am deeply saddened by the loss of John but I know that he is in a better place. I have fond memories of work and our times on the softball field playing for the Police Association team. RIP John. You will be missed. June and family, I am praying for comfort during this difficult time.

- Tony Atkins, Savannah, GA

When I worked for a Superior Court Judge, I was in the courtroom many times when John would testify for the State, always with dignity and respect. He was an outstanding in his field and well thought of by all of his fellow officers. I send my sympathy to all of his family during this sad time. Barbara Brown Wolling

- barbara b wolling, savannah, ga

My true friend, mentor, and most of all someone I had the utmost respect for. He LOVED his family, especially his grandchildren ! He always projected professionalism in his demeanor and appearance. I know his fur babies are going to miss him. June, God Bless You and the family with a peace that passes all understanding. John is with Jesus!

- Brenda Boulware, Port Wentworth, GA

To June and all of John’s family, sending my deepest condolences. I worked at the CCPD in the late 70’s as a civilian and any time I was around him, he was such a gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sorry I won’t be able to attend his celebration of life, but am here for any and all of you.

- Marie James Yaughn Banderas, Savannah, Georgia

John Cheeks was a true Southern Gentleman, but a serious lawman. He could have been a stand-in for Andy Griffith as Sheriff Taylor in Mayberry -- especially because he came from a Mayberry-like town of Louisville, GA, which town also produced that Southern Belle we know as Louisa Abbot. No matter in what capacity I served in, including prosecutor in Spencer Lawton's DA office, or Judge in Thunderbolt, or as a defense attorney, John was a forthright and honest lawman in every matter. If he said it, you could believe it. He set the standard for integrity and professionalism. Sincere condolences to his family and all who loved, respected and served with him.

- Doug Andrews, Savannah, GA

On behalf of the Johnson Square Truist Bank family, we are all (former and current employees) deeply saddened by your loss. Out of all the "county bag guys", he was our favorite, and the county bag guys would say the same. May his memory truly be a blessing.

- Sabrina Simon, Savannah, GA

John was a straight shooter...literally. Many, many years ago he taught my then future wife, Julie, how to shoot a handgun and shoot it well. She did "ride-alongs" with John back in the day and has told me nothing but good stories. At the beginning of the shift John would always say to her, "Let's go spread some hate, discontentment, and animosity." It was all in jest though, because John was a fair, non-biased lawman. If you were right about something he would affirm, but if you were wrong, then he'd handle business. John and June are a wonderful part of my wife's life and she considers them family...to the point of John walking my wife down the aisle and giving her away on our wedding day almost 25 years ago. Though the years have gone by, she's never quit talking about how wonderful both of them are and how she always felt safe when she was with them. My sincere condolences for June and family. John will me missed immensely, but his memories will remain intact in many peoples' hearts forever!

- Al Jelinski, Guyton, GA

He was one of my little league coaches. He was a great man and will be missed.

- Wendel Logue, Savannah , Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200