Dr. William Russell "Russ" Cheatham

Born and raised in Haleyville, Alabama, Russ was a 1962 graduate of Haleyville High School. He was a well-rounded athlete, excelling in football. Bear Bryant of the University of Alabama and Shug Jordan of Auburn University both recruited Russ for a full scholarship. He chose his beloved Auburn University, graduating in 1967. He was part of the 1963 Auburn Orange Bowl team and was later inducted into the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame.

Russ had several careers during his lifetime and was passionate about each. He won several sales awards in his youth, was a radio disc jockey, served as a probation officer for the State of Tennessee, worked many years as a criminal investigator for the Sumner County District Attorney’s Office, and later became an advisor for the Sumner County Drug Court. A lifetime learner with a passion for education, Russ earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration at age 52, the same year his son Dylan was born.

His last career was as a professor at Cumberland University where he spent 21 years in the Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs. He received the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence and was proud to be named Faculty Emeritus. Russ was dedicated to his students and their careers, and “Dr. C” was much loved by those students.

He was an accomplished writer and proud of his published work, “The Bad Boy of Gospel Music.” He loved to do research and write and had many more books in the works.

Retirement was a five-acre hobby farm with lots of outside work to be done. He enjoyed his time with family, reading and writing, watching football, and listening to music.

Dr. Cheatham is predeceased by parents, Faye and Gene Cheatham of Haleyville, Alabama. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sherry (Tidwell) Cheatham; daughter, Michael Duvall; sons, Michael (Twila) Walker and Dylan (Chessie) Cheatham; grandchildren: Aubrey (Eric) Gray, Joshua Walker, Maggie Cheatham, Rio Ward, and Dante Duvall; great granddaughters: Charlie Ward and Ruby Semple; sister, Jeanette Taylor; sister-in-law, Charlotte Frakes, brother-in-law Harold Frakes, and many loved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 12:00 to 2:00 at Forest Lawn in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Graveside services will follow for any wishing to attend with Michael Gene Walker officiating. Family will serve as pallbearers.

Honey, Dad, Poppy, friend, and Dr. C, we love you, and the world will not be the same without you.