Preston T Cheatham

Preston Thomas Cheatham, 81, of Jonesboro, met Jesus face to face on Oct 2, 2020. He was born in Berlin, Tennessee, on July 14, 1939, to Howard Anderson Cheatham and Ruth Thomas Cheatham.

He graduated from Ripley High School in Ripley, MS and attended Mississippi State University. He was self employed and later worked for Barton’s of Jonesboro. Preston was known as “The Paint Man” in the Jonesboro construction world. He was also “The Mailman” for Jonesboro Public Schools for several years. Preston will be remembered for his happy demeanor and his iconic laugh.

Preston loved his God, his family, and his country. “Pawpaw” was especially proud of his grandsons, Brooks and Jack, and enjoyed attending all their activities. He was a member and deacon of Highland Drive Baptist Church for many years.

Preston is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth Cheatham; his father-in-law, William Bertie Childers; a brother-in-law, John D. Gaillard, and a great great nephew, Sikes Lyles.

Preston is survived by, in his words, “the love of my life and my best friend”, Glenda of 55 years; daughter Cheryl Lynn Cheatham; son William Howard (Marcie) Cheatham; grandsons Brooks Preston Cheatham and Jack Childers Cheatham, and mother-in-law, Marnell Childers, all of Jonesboro; sisters Peggy Gaillard of Walnut, MS, and Phyllis (Eddie) McCafferty of Ripley, MS; niece, Penny (Wynn) Dollar, nephews, Johnny (Beverly) Gaillard of Walnut, MS, Dustin (Marcie) McCafferty and Drew McCafferty of Ripley, MS. Great nephews, John Wynn (Kasie) Dollar, Landon Gaillard and Logan Gaillard; and great nieces, Jennalee (Paul) Lyles, Laken Gaillard, Ruthie McCafferty, and Maggie McCafferty. Great great niece, Ella Grace Dollar and great great nephews Jefferson Wade Dollar and Kevin Hurley.