Joseph Gorrell Cheek Jr. of Schwabach, Germany passed away at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD on June 13, 2012. He was born on July 14, 1938, in Richmond, VA, the son of the late Joseph Gorrell Cheek, Sr. and Virginia Cora Bulifant Cheek. At a young age, his family moved to Petersburg, VA. Gorrell spent 35 years serving his country in the U.S. Army. His assignments included the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, 1st, 4th, 8th and 24th Infantry Divisions, 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st Armored Division, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment and his last assignment was Command Sergeant Major, US VII Corps. He was stationed at various locations including the United States, Viet Nam (multiple tours), Saudi Arabia and Germany. Gorrell received numerous awards including the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (2), Viet Nam Service Medal (5), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (3), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Purple Heart, Bronze Star (2) and Legion of Merit. He was a life-long Mason, enjoyed reading and had a passion for knowledge. Gorrell earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland and his master's degree in International Relations from Boston University. He was survived by his wife of 30 years, Erika M. Cheek; two daughters, Deborah V. Allain (Tom) and Leslie Denise Raulston (Robert), all of Colorado Springs, CO.; son, Gorrell P. Cheek (Katharine) of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held on Oct. 10, 2012, at Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggested that memorial donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation.
Joseph Gorrell Cheek Jr. of Schwabach, Germany passed away at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD on June 13, 2012. He was born on July 14, 1938, in Richmond, VA, the son of the late Joseph Gorrell Cheek, Sr. and Virginia Cora Bulifant Cheek. At a young age, his family moved to Petersburg, VA. Gorrell spent 35 years serving his country in the U.S. Army. His assignments included the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, 1st, 4th, 8th and 24th Infantry Divisions, 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st Armored Division, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment and his last assignment was Command Sergeant Major, US VII Corps. He was stationed at various locations including the United States, Viet Nam (multiple tours), Saudi Arabia and Germany. Gorrell received numerous awards including the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (2), Viet Nam Service Medal (5), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (3), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Purple Heart, Bronze Star (2) and Legion of Merit. He was a life-long Mason, enjoyed reading and had a passion for knowledge. Gorrell earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland and his master's degree in International Relations from Boston University. He was survived by his wife of 30 years, Erika M. Cheek; two daughters, Deborah V. Allain (Tom) and Leslie Denise Raulston (Robert), all of Colorado Springs, CO.; son, Gorrell P. Cheek (Katharine) of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held on Oct. 10, 2012, at Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggested that memorial donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation.
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