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. He was born on August 9, 1931 in Gadberry, KY, a son of the late Simon Leslie Cheatham and Annie Lizzie Bomar Cheatham Duncan.

He 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

12 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

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by five 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.