AVA – Ronald W. Cheatham, 79, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, Illinois.

Ronald was born on November 23, 1944, in Murphysboro, IL, the son of Woodrow and Deliah Ione (Bailey) Cheatham. He married Glenda Baker, on June 3, 1967, at Missionary Baptist Church, Ava, IL. Ronald was a factory worker and a Veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. He was a member of Missionary Baptist Church, Ava, IL, and a former member of Ava Volunteer Fire Department.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Glenda Cheatham of Ava, IL, his children: Bryan (Sheila) Cheatham of Ava, IL, Donnie (Michelle) Cheatham of Steeleville, IL; his grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Whittington, Chase Cheatham, Chelsi Cheatham, Brendon Cheatham; his great grandchildren: Avery and Rylee Whittington; his sister, Sue Volkman of Ava, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Volkman, one niece and one nephew.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Brother Thomas Bevis officiating. Burial to follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from  6 – 8 pm on Thursday, and on Friday, 7:30 am till time of service. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL, 62907.