Wilburn "Tite" Cheatham, 94, of Campbellsville, KY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Born on August 9, 1931 in Gadberry, Kentucky, Wilburn lived a life marked by dedicated service, strong community ties, and a deep commitment to his family and faith.
A proud veteran, Wilburn served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Following his military service, he devoted himself to farming and worked at Morrison Sawmill, through which he built a legacy of hard work and steadfast dedication.
Wilburn was a cherished member of the New Zion Baptist Church. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, reflected in his longstanding service as Sunday School Superintendent, church treasurer, and as the longest living Deacon of his congregation. Despite facing the challenges of a hearing deficit, he remained deeply involved in church activities as long as his health allowed, embodying a spirit of resilience and devotion that inspired many.
He found great joy in visiting farms and spending cherished time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Wilburn’s family was the cornerstone of his life, bringing him immense happiness and pride.
SURVIVORS:
His beloved wife of 70 years: Nina Pearl Graves Cheatham of Campbellsville, KY
4 children: Shelia Thomas (Wayne) of Campbellsville, Shirley Jones (Johnny) of Columbia, Ronnie Cheatham (Sallie) of Phenix City, Alabama and William Marshall Cheatham (Cynthia) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Grandchildren: Nathan McFadden, Timothy Smith (Rochelle), Tishia Smith, Steven Cheatham (Denise), Joshua Cheatham (Stephanie), Lawrencia Mensah (Lloyd), Elydia Thomas (Derek), Christopher Thomas (Makenzie), Benjamin Cheatham (Rosy), Joseph Cheatham, Kendra Smith, and Brandon Jones
22 great-grandchildren (& eagerly anticipating the arrival of his 23rd) & 4 great-great-grandchildren
2 brothers-in-law: Foster Graves and Ben E. Graves
Sister-in-law: Mary Graves
Numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, & acquaintances
Wilburn was predeceased by his parents, Simon Leslie Cheatham and Annie Lizzie Bomar Cheatham Duncan, and his siblings: William Cheatham, Inishia Ingram, Hazzard Cheatham, Cobert Cheatham, and Katie Duvall.
Funeral service: Friday, June 19, 2026 at 1:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY with Rev James T. Washington, III officiating
Burial: New Zion Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 6097
Visitation: Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pmCT and Friday until time for the service at the funeral home
Pallbearers: Timothy Smith, Steven Cheatham, Joshua Cheatham, Christopher Thomas, Benjamin Cheatham, and Joseph Cheatham
Honorary pallbearers: Nathan McFadden, Bobby Lynn Graves, Roy Ingram and Brandon Jones
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
