A memorial service for W. Augustus Cheatham, MSW, will take place Sunday, Feb. 15, at 11:00 a.m. in the Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, 11125 Campus Street, in Loma Linda.
The longest-serving vice president in the history of Loma Linda University Health passed away on Dec. 22, 2014, after a prolonged illness.
Cheatham joined Loma Linda University Health in 1985, helping to mold the public image of the organization in the wake of the Baby Fae case, and leading in the area of public affairs for the next 22 years.
Following a career that ranged from appointments in the U.S. government to serving as principal at Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania, Cheatham was asked by Loma Linda University Health to join the leadership team in 1985 at the recommendation of then General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists President Neal Wilson. Cheatham served as vice president for public affairs and development.
In 2007, Cheatham was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Subsequent surgery resulted in a difficult recovery and forced him to step down from his leadership role. At his retirement later that year, Cheatham was presented with the Distinguished University Service Award.
In succeeding years, he continued to serve as an inspiration to family and friends, spending precious time with his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends.
Cheatham is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ida Cecilia Anderson; son, William Lee III (Billy); daughters Marta and Nicole; grandchildren Justin, William Lee IV, Aaron, Steven Michael, Christian, Michaela and John Michael; and siblings William Jr., Anna, Oliver, Donald, Merle, Charles and Wendell.