Rufus T. Cheatham

Rufus T. Cheatham, 76, departed this earthy life on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 and received his wings to fly home to be reunited with this loved ones.

Rufus was born on February 22, 1947 to the late Rufus H. and Virginia Cheatham on Washington Avenue, Browning Park, Princess Anne County, VA. He was educated in the Virginia Beach public school system.  He loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age. Until his untimely illness, he was an active member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood. Rufus was a highly skilled brick mason who started honing his craft at the young age of 16. He owned RTC Masonry, Inc. and built many homes and businesses in the local Hampton Roads area. He also had an extensive career with the City of Virginia Beach Public Schools until he retired.

Rufus married the love of his life, the late Marilyn Cheatham and from their union they had four children.

Besides his wife, Rufus was predeceased in death by one son, Rufus J. Cheatham; one grandson, Tony A. Cheatham; parents, Rufus H. and Virginia Cheatham; and two brothers, Larry and Duke Cheatham.

God saw that he was getting tired. A cure was not to be. So he put His arms around and whispered, “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes “the best”. You’re beautiful, you’re endless. Now stretch your wings and fly, you’re loved by so many. It will never be goodbye. Close your pretty eyes. No more tears, just go and rest. Let your soul lie peacefully, we know you did your best.

Rufus leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Tony Cheatham (Sharon), Josette Cheatham (Ronnie Rolach), Andrea Cheatham (Sandinia); brothers, Preston Cheatham, Freddie Cheatham, Alexander Cheatham; sisters, Hester Cheatham, Mary Felton (Butch); daughter-in-law, Darlene Cheatham; sister-in-law, Pat Cheatham; special friends, Donald Wiggins, Larry Olds; twelve grandchildren, and host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.