Wilburn "Tite" Cheatham, aged 94, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Born on August 9, 1931, in Gadberry, Kentucky, Wilburn lived a life marked by dedicated service, strong community ties, and a deep commitment to his family and faith.

A proud veteran, Wilburn served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Following his military service, he devoted himself to farming and worked at Morrison Sawmill, through which he built a legacy of hard work and steadfast dedication.

Wilburn was a cherished member of the New Zion Baptist Church. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, reflected in his longstanding service as Sunday School Superintendent, church treasurer, and as the longest living Deacon of his congregation. Despite facing the challenges of a hearing deficit, he remained deeply involved in church activities as long as his health allowed, embodying a spirit of resilience and devotion that inspired many.

He found great joy in visiting farms and spending cherished time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Wilburn’s family was the cornerstone of his life, bringing him immense happiness and pride.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Nina Pearl Graves Cheatham of Campbellsville, KY; his devoted children Shelia Thomas (Wayne) of Campbellsville, Shirley Jones (Johnny) of Columbia, Ronnie Cheatham (Sallie) of Phenix City, Alabama and William Marshall Cheatham (Cynthia) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Wilburn was a loving grandfather to Nathan McFadden, Timothy Smith (Rochelle), Tishia Smith, Steven Cheatham (Denise), Joshua Cheatham (Stephanie), Lawrencia Mensah (Lloyd), Elydia Thomas (Derek), Christopher Thomas (Makenzie), Benjamin Cheatham (Rosy), Joseph Cheatham, Kendra Smith, and Brandon Jones, and he was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his twenty-third great-grandchild and four great great grandchildren.

He also is survived by two brothers-in-law, Foster Graves and Ben E. Graves, a sister-in-law, Mary Graves, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances who cherish his memory.

Wilburn was predeceased by his parents, Simon Leslie Cheatham and Annie Lizzie Bomar Cheatham Duncan, along with his siblings William Cheatham, Inishia Ingram, Hazzard Cheatham, Cobert Cheatham, and Katie Duvall.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm CST Friday, June 19, 2026, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the New Zion Church Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by VFW Post 6097.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm CST and will continue Friday until time for the service at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.

Rev James T. Washington, III will be officiating and pallbearers will be Timothy Smith, Steven Cheatham, Joshua Cheatham, Christopher Thomas, Benjamin Cheatham, and Joseph Cheatham. Honorary pallbearers will be Nathan McFadden, Bobby Lynn Graves and Brandon Jones.