Daniel W. Cheatham, Jr.

Dr. Daniel W. Cheatham, Jr., PhD, Colonel, USAF Retired, 94 of Sugar Hill Road, Brookneal, died Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Born in Lynchburg, VA on October 16, 1930, he was the son of the late Pattie Carwile and Daniel Washington Cheatham. Dan was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), the Air University’s Institute of Technology, and the University of Michigan, earning undergraduate degrees in Agricultural Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering, a master’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. He was a member of the United States Air Force for 27 years, attaining the rank of Colonel. Dan flew 93 combat missions piloting an F4-C fighter/bomber aircraft during the Vietnam War, including 70 missions over heavily defended North Vietnam. His awards and decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster (2) and the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters (8). His lifelong passion and true heart were that of a farmer and land conservationist. Dan was an active member of Providence Baptist Church and a member of the Gideons International Brookneal Camp.
Dan is survived by three sons, Daniel W. Cheatham, III and wife Marilyn of Huntsville, AL, R. Aubrey Cheatham and wife Alecia of Brookneal, and Patrick L. Cheatham of Aurora, CO; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years Carolyn Jones Cheatham and by a son, Charles Raymond Cheatham.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Linda Sue and Lamore’ Calloway, and Blessings of Hope Companion Service staff Aimee, Chris, Sarah, and Shilla for their loving care of Dan. Additionally, the family would like to express gratitude to Herman Haskins for his efforts in helping Dan maintain the farm over many years.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., November 19, 2024, in Providence Baptist Church by the Rev. Duane Seagle and the Rev. Scott Curtis. The family will receive friends at the home of his son, Aubrey, at 7933 Sugar Hill Road on November 16th and 17th, 2024. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Gideons International Brookneal Camp, PO Box 178, Brookneal, VA 24528.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.