Robert Franklin Cheatham

Robert Cheatham

Robert Franklin Cheatham (Bobby), of North Augusta, South Carolina, passed on March 07, 2023 after a sudden illness. Robert was born on March 27, 1948 in Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hallie Belle Cheatham, and infant brother, Richard. 

Robert was known to many as Bobby. He was working at Dupont when, as a young man, he was drafted into the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970. He was with B Co. 4/23 Inf 25 Infantry Division. As a result of his service in Vietnam, Robert was awarded The Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Services Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Badge M-16, and 2 Purple Hearts. After years of communicating with his army brothers, he finally got to reunite with them after almost 50 years, and what a reunion it was. 

Upon his return, he resumed his position at Dupont in Chattanooga where he worked for 17 years, before he was transferred to Savannah River Plant in South Carolina. He retired at age 57 with 37 years of service. 

Switching from one full time job to another, Robert became a full time avid outdoorsman and master of the swamp. He loved to hunt all game, but his biggest passion was deer hunting. He was so proud of his trophies, which included numerous shoulder mounts, antler mounts, skull mounts, turkey mounts, turkey beards, and a stuffed bobcat. He also had a love for collecting and hunting Indian artifacts, which he had a massive collection of. Robert was diagnosed with Neuropathy after he retired, but he never let the effects of the disease keep him from the things he loved. We now know he was struggling from a brain tumor, which was only recently diagnosed. 

Robert was a member of the Dunlap Masonic Lodge No. 693 F & AM. He was passionate about Tennessee football, and he and his wife, Tina, watched every game together through the good seasons and bad. 

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Tina McKenzie Cheatham (Blondie – his nickname for her), sister-in-law Tanya McClendon, brother David Cheatham (Deb), daughter Gretchen Hendon (Keith), niece Madison Gallaher (Blake), grandchildren Katelynne Easterly (Corbin), Koda Cheatham, special cousin Gail Sexton, and several cousins and nephews. 

Robert was blessed with a life long, faithful friend George (GW) Gentry, and special friends, Gene (Geno) Smith, Dennis Ruff, Antonio Bridges, Kenna Rodgers, and his breakfast club buddies.

The family will receive friends at Williamson Funeral Home in Soddy Daisy, TN on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with services following at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Military Honors.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.

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