Samuel Barkley Cheek

Samuel B. Cheek, 20, of China Grove, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at his home. He was born on January 12, 2005, to Chas and Ashley Herion Cheek at Northeast Medical Center in Cabarrus County.

Samuel was a proud graduate of Jesse Carson High School class of 2023 and was enrolled in the SOAR program at Rowan Cabarrus Community College. Samuel had a love for sports but everyone who knew him knew he was the biggest Kansas City Chiefs fan. He also loved the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Rangers. Often times Samuel was found at his sister’s sporting events cheering her on and was her biggest fan in all the sports she plays. Samuel was known to be the mascot at China Grove Middle School during his sister’s games and also on the weekends for his sister’s travel softball team! He will always be remembered by his contagious spirit and love for the game by all who came in contact with him! He enjoyed playing baseball with Buddy Ball where he slid into home plate every time, he enjoyed watching WWE and had collected many of their action figures. Most recently, he loved riding his new dirt bike that he got for Christmas around the neighborhood with his buddies. He had a lifelong fascination with fire trucks and police cars. He loved all genres of music, often making videos with his sister and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, Chas and Ashley; his sister, Peyton Cheek; his paternal grandparents, Denise Story (William) and Mickey Cheek (Peggy); his maternal grandparents, Ron and Paula Herion; aunts, Kendraith Wayne (Jeremy), Alexis Story, Cassandra Herion (Phil), and Nadia Herion; uncle, Sam Herion (Kalleigh); several cousins, other relatives and countless friends.

For visitation and service, the family wishes to honor Samuel by asking all who attend to wear either Kansas City Chiefs attire or colors, or your favorite sports team apparel. Please dress casually as he did not care for formal.

Visitation for Samuel will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Samuel will lie in state on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at First Reformed Church in Landis from 2:00 PM until the time of service.

A Funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at First Reformed Church in Landis at 3:00 PM with Pastor Ryan Davis & Pastor David Franks officiating. Interment to follow at Shiloh Church of Concord. For interment, parking is more limited so please carpool if possible.