Randell Todd Cheatwood, 56, resident of Tishomingo, passed away Wednesday April 17, 2019 at Tishomingo Manor in Iuka following an extended illness.
Private family services and interment are planned at a later date. Arrangements will be provided by The Ripley Funeral Home.
Randell was born September 24, 1962 in Ripley, the son of the late Robert and Marie Westmoreland Cheatwood. He was a 1980 graduate of Gray Academy in Benton County and continued his education at Northwest Technical College.
Randell was known as an excellent son, caring brother, and loving father, besides many knowing him as a dear friend and an exceptional businessman. Along with his father Robert, he ran Cheatwood Auto Salvage, as well as running their own wrecker service. He was a talented welder and loved working with his hands. He cared for the many animals the family raised, and took pride in knowing they were well looked-after - especially his dog named Girl. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially loved taking his children fishing. He was most at home spending time at Tippah Bottom with his family, hunting, cooking stew, and enjoying a campfire.
Randell was known to all as a family man who loved his parents, children, sister ("Kid Sister"), niece Leah ("Honey Bunny"), nephew Dylan ("Matt Dylan"), and granddaughter Lexi, along with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins - many of whom were as close as siblings. His affectionate nicknames for his children ("Shuh" for Felicia, "Boogy" for Bethany, and "Stinkweed" for Maranda) were known throughout the family. He treated friends like family, showing love, generosity, and patience with everyone.
Randell will be lovingly remembered for his characteristic overalls, his black Ford truck, and his ready willingness to help anyone. As his daughter Bethany remembered, "He was so patient all the time. He taught me to tell time with an old clock taken from the wall, and worked with me until I understood." Daughter Maranda remembered his "Bear Hugs." His sister Cassandra remembered good times together with Randell, like family holidays, cookouts, playing pool, hunting, fishing at Bluff Springs Lake, and swimming at McGaughy's Lake. One of Randell's lifelong friends remembered spending time with Randell at his Grandma Annie's on the weekends and playing outside there as children. Randell will continue to be loved by many and dearly missed.
Memories will be cherished by his daughters, Felicia Cheatwood of Merrit Island, FL, Bethany Howard (Dan) of Florence, AL and Maranda Cheatwood of New Albany, one sister, Cassandra Beard (Don) of Corinth one granddaughter, Alexis Addison and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family request that memorials be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th floor, New Your, NY 10004.
The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cheatwood family and invites you to share memories
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