Harold Everette Cheek

Harold Everette Cheek, 80 years old and a former Vinita resident passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Ocean Springs, MS with his daughters by his side. Harold was born in Big Spring, TX on September 7, 1943, to Helen and James Cheek at Big Spring Army Airfield. Harold was raised in Vinita OK; he was a member of the Vinita High School Marching Band and graduated in 1961. Harold began his college career at the Oklahoma Military Academy, transferred to Oklahoma State University and proudly graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he began his career in Chicago, IL at Western Electric. Later he returned to his hometown to work in the family business, Jim’s Service’s Roofing and Pest Control. Harold was honored to serve his community as a member of the Vinita City Council. Harold married his wife Joyce Cheek in 1992 and spent 26 happy years together.

Harold had a big heart with a mischievous side. He loved to laugh and pull pranks. Did you know that eating raw onions would improve your pool game? (ask Jimmy) He was always performing magic tricks and playing games…. 52 Card Pick Up, Slap Jack, and Pollack Poker. We enjoyed countless hours of card and domino tournaments. You had to watch him very closely, he loved to cheat! He was ALWAYS King of the pancake eating contest. Everyone loved spending time with Harold at Dripping Springs, Grand Lake. The summer days were filled with boating, skiing, and the occasional jump off the bluff (if you dare)!

Harold and his little fur buddy “Bo” enjoyed his last years of retirement in Gulfport MS, Cruising’ the Coast with the top down! - FOREVER 29 YEARS YOUNG!

Harold is survived by his 2 loving daughters Beverly Akins husband Raymond of Ocean Springs, MS, Jamie Huffman husband Caleb of Vinita OK, bonus children Sherry Cornwell husband Duane of Vinita, OK, Randall Goss wife Jennifer of Vinita, OK. Grandchildren Brittany Akins, Lindsey Dossett, Breanna Akins, Heath Huffman, Bailey Jo Huffman, Brandi Niggemann, Christina Dunlap, Traci Grooms, Travis Thompson, Raymond Goss, Jarod Goss, and Kathrine Goss. Three siblings, Fred Cheek wife Lou of Lawton, OK, George Cheek wife Linda of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Reba Cook husband Jim of Houston, TX. Bonus siblings Janie Satterwhite and Joyce Nowlin. Nieces / Nephews Cindy Cheek Box, Jimmy Cheek, Morgan Cheek, Allen Crump, Eric Crump, Justin Nowlin, Janatha Schreiner, Stacey Satterwhite, Brad Satterwhite, and Melissa Newberry and many other extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joyce Cheek, his parents James Cheek and Helen Cheek Taylor, stepfather Leon Taylor and bonus daughter Rebecca Cook.

Visitation will be Friday, June 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral Home Chapel.  

The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Vinita, OK.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, is helping the family locally.