Bobby Ray Cheek

Bobby Ray Cheek, age 86, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, atLynchburg General Hospital, with his wife by his side. Born in Bedford on October19, 1937, he was the sixth and youngest child of the late Clarence Rucker Cheekand Hettie Sims Cheek.

Bobby had a lifetime of experience in the retail grocery business, having been theowner and manager of several local businesses in Bedford, including the 297Minute Market on East Main Street, and Shepherd’s Store in Big Island. His lastbusiness and the one for which he was best known was the Big O’ and Go, nowthe Shell store on Longwood Avenue.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Parker Cheek; his son TroyCheek, and wife Regina; grandchildren Adam and wife Mindie Witt, Sidney andhusband Jamie Bunce, Danielle and husband Justin Wainscott, Gregory Scott, Jr.and Rebecca Cheek, and great-grandchildren, Preston, Gracie, Eric, Kaia and AsherBunce; Ethan, Gabbie and Addison Witt.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Gregory ScottCheek; sisters, Regina Gross and Mildred Atkins; brothers, John, Lyle, and CiceroCheek.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, Friday, November 3, 2023,at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, and a funeral service willfollow at 11:00 AM in the Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Murphy and Rev. RussDean officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.