Bobby Ray “The Florida Man” Cheek, 81,  of Statesville, former resident of Davie County and the Florida Keys, died on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at his home with family by his side after an extended period of declining health.

Mr. Cheek was born in Davie County on Aug. 31, 1933 to the late Chauncey Robert and Selma Louise Cook Cheek. He was married to the late Dorothy Anderson Cheek for 58 years. Mr. Cheek was a retired building contractor and served in the US Air Force from 1952-1956. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors: a son, D. Ray Cheek (Monica) of Gastonia; 3 daughters, Pamela C. Boger of Mocksville, Barbara “Sissy” C. Johnson (Bill) of Stoney Point, and Karen C. Johnson (Mark) of Statesville; a sister, Nell Anderson of Mocksville; 8 grandchildren, Angela Worley (Todd), John C. Boger (Whitney), Brandon Johnson (Amy), Matthew Johnson (Amanda), Aaron Johnson (Emily), T.J. Cheek, Kristin Cheek and Jonathan Cheek; 6 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Roy Grubb;and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Wayne Boger; brother, Talmadge “Sonny” Cheek; and 2 sisters, Ruby Garland and Lorene “Red” Grubb.

A graveside celebration of life service was held at noon Monday, April 13 in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery with the Revs. J.B. Parker, Keith Bowman, Dale Milstead and Robert Waugh officiating. Military rites were recorded by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard and the US Air Force.The family received friends on Sunday, April 12 at Davie Funeral Service in Mocksville.

Memorials: Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, 28625; or a church of your choice.

Condolences: www.daviefuneralservice.com.