Alex Cheeks

Gurlyn Alexander “Alex” Cheeks went to heaven to be with the Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 25, 1946, in Birmingham, AL. He grew up in Fountain Heights and moved to McCalla, AL, at twelve years old. He attended McAdory High School and graduated in 1964. He attended Clarke College in Newton, MS before transferring to Ole Miss. During his time at Ole Miss, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force. He served in Vietnam, as well as the NORAD Santa Tracking Headquarters in Colorado. He worked at Alabama Power Co. and retired after thirty-six years of service. He was an active member at Grace Life Baptist Church including being a member of The Seekers Sunday school class, and led a Men’s Bible Study Group. He enjoyed his family and the outdoors, including scuba diving in his younger days and keeping his pool clean and swimming with all the grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gurlyn Cheeks and Virginia Turner Cheeks Horsley; stepdad, Claude Horsley; brother, Clarence Cheek; sister, Venira Payton; and stepdaughter Autumn McRee. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Ruby Crowley Cheeks; daughters, Amanda (Craig) Collier and Karen Cheeks Boolos; stepdaughter April (Adam) Mitchell; grandchildren Andrew Salze; Layla Boolos; Emma, Corinne, Lydia, and Julia Mitchell; “niece” Suzie Crumpton; and his “bonus” family, Kristy and Jodey Hogeland, Rita and Shawn Ankerich, Chris Bearden; and “bonus” grandchildren Josie, Judson, and Joshua Hogeland; Jonah Champion (Emily); Jesse Gilliland; Elijah, Carleigh, Abbigail, Rikki, and Dezzi Bearden; Michael and Elijah Reid; great granddaughter Harper Kai Salze. Our gratitude and heartfelt thanks go to all who helped as we cared for him in these last few months: Ascension Home Health, Southern Care New Beacon Hospice, our family, church family, neighbors, friends. Thanks so much for your love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Grace Life Baptist Church building fund (link: Donate - Grace Life Baptist Church, then select “The Gift” in the dropdown box). Visitation for family and friends at McCalla Funeral Home on Saturday, December 21st from 10-11a.m. and funeral at 11 a.m. No graveside services.

Alex Cheeks

October 25, 1946 - December 18, 2024