Obituary of Bobby Ray Cheek

Bobby Ray Cheek, age 86, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Lynchburg General Hospital, with his wife by his side. Born in Bedford on October 19, 1937, he was the sixth and youngest child of the late Clarence Rucker Cheek and Hettie Sims Cheek. 

Bobby had a lifetime of experience in the retail grocery business, having been the owner and manager of several local businesses in  Bedford, including the 297 Minute Market on East Main Street, and Shepherd’s Store in Big Island. His last business and the one for which he was best known was the Big O’ and Go, now the Shell store on Longwood Avenue.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Parker Cheek; his son Troy Cheek, and wife Regina; grandchildren Adam and wife Mindie Witt, Sidney and husband Jamie Bunce, Danielle and husband Justin Wainscott, Gregory Scott, Jr. and wife Rebecca Cheek, and great-grandchildren, Preston, Gracie, Eric, Kaia and Asher Bunce; Ethan, Gabbie and Addison Witt.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Scott Cheek; sisters, Regina Gross and Mildred Atkins;  brothers, John, Lyle, and Cicero Cheek.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, and a funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Murphy and Rev. Russ Dean officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.