By By Lydia Grimes
news reporter
Longtime Brewton business owner Samson Soonell Cheatham was a “loving father” who cared for his family as well as his community, his daughter recalled.
Cheatham, the longtime owner of Cheatham Funeral Home, died March 27 at the age of 85.
Cheatham was born May 7, 1924, in Brewton, to John Garrison Cheatham and Ada Russeau Cheatham.
He was educated at Southern Normal High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Alabama State University. He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in organizing the Brewton chapter of NAACP in 1954. He had retired from Mutual Savings Insurance Co. and was owner and operator of Cheatham Funeral Home for more than 40 years.
Nunley said her father was beloved by all of his children.
Cheatham was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Minnie Forbes Cheatham of Brewton; three sons, Larry (Tonecia) McMillan of Oxon Hill, Md., Samson L. (Frankie) Cheatham and John C. Cheatham, both of Brewton; two daughters, Ada C. (Alex C., Sr.) Cunningham and Chlora C. (Donnie) Nunley, both of Brewton, a step-mother, Blanch B. Cheatham of Brewton; and other family members.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at Second St. Siloam Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Malcolm W. Franklin officiating. Burial followed at Baptist Hill Cemetery with Baldwin Community Chapel of Bay Minette directing.
Complete obituary information is on page 3A.