Robert Alex Cheek, 69, transitioned unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at his home in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Robert was born on September 18, 1947 and was one of seven children of Wilbur Cheek Sr. and Elizabeth Manley Cheek in Littleton, North Carolina.   At the age of 12, Robert committed his life to Christ and joined Odell Baptist Church in Littleton, North Carolina.  He was educated in the local schools and graduated in 1965 from J.R. Hawkins High School in Warrenton, North Carolina.

Robert had many aspirations and always wanted to excel.  He moved from Littleton to the Washington Metropolitan where he graduated from the District of Columbia Police Academy and worked as a Police Officer for several years.  Always wanting to achieve more, he worked hard to open his own business and became an entrepreneur over several businesses: Robert's Liquors, Robert's Boat Charters, Fish Tales Sporting Goods, Robert's Transportation Services, Cheek's Trucking, to name a few.

In late 1983, Robert met his wife, Sheri.  After many long talks and discussions, they realized they were Dallas Cowboys fans.  They were married six months later on May 21, 1984 and have enjoyed thirty-three wonderful years together.  Every day they said "I Love You" before departing for work and when they saw each other every evening.

After retiring from his businesses ventures, Robert decided to work in an area that he loved and had a passion for, auto mechanics and parts.  He had an extensive knowledge of the mechanics of cars and used his expertise to specialize in the purchase and distribution of parts in sales as well as the upkeep and maintenance of company vehicles.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing with his friends on the weekends.  Over the years, he tapered off his time from fishing to spend more time at home.  However, it did not stop him again from wanting to do and learn more about the maritime industry.  He was an avid reader and studied tirelessly to prepare for the Capstan test and to get his Captain's license.   He also took evening classes at Prince George's Community College and received certificates in Welding, Small Gas Engines, HVAC/R Level One Parts I and II, and Automotive Technician – Diesel Theory and Maintenance, Electrical Systems, and Automatic and Manual Transmissions.  Robert also loved classic cars, shows about the auctioning, restoring and providing skills and techniques about them.  He watched all the Lone Ranger shows every Saturday.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Cheek Sr. and Elizabeth Manley Cheek; three brothers, Wilbur "Johnnie" Cheek Jr., Jimmie Delano Cheek and Clinton Leon Cheek.

Robert leaves to cherish his love and wonderful life his wife Sheri Cheek; stepdaughter Shavia Anderson Dixon; five grandchildren, Shante, Bianca, Deondra, Dexter and Christopher; two sisters, Bettie Walker (Fred Walker), Hester Victoria Fogg (Larry Boyd); one brother, Horace Randolph Cheek (Debbie Cheek); and many loving and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers.

His viewing will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10am until time of service 11am, Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, Maryland.  Interment, Monday, July 3, 2017, 11am, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland 20735.