Beloved  Son, Father, Brother, Friend, Teacher, and Coach

Eric Demond Cheek a beloved son, father, brother, and uncle passed away on November 4, 2024. His departure leaves a void that words can scarcely fill, yet his legacy of love, strength, and dedication will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Eric was a dedicated teacher and football coach. He poured his heart and soul into guiding young minds and nurturing his students' dreams. Eric also inspired young men on the football field as the head football coach at Carver Middle School in 2023. Eric touched the lives of students at various schools in our community. He most recently taught at Joseph Keels Elementary in Richland County. Previously he was employed at Mary H. Wright Elementary School, Carver Middle School, Cleveland Elementary School, Spartanburg High School, and Whitlock Flexible Learning Center in Spartanburg School District 7. He also taught at Legacy Early College in Greenville, SC.

With a Bachelor's Degree from USC Upstate and a Master's Degree from Converse College, he devoted his life to serving others, believing that education and encouragement could change lives. Eric was an ardent football fan. He never missed watching a Pittsburgh Steelers game. He regularly attended Spartanburg High School games, typically with his brothers and late father beside him. Eric was a steady source of laughter, wisdom, and compassion. His warm smile, infectious laugh, and gentle nature drew you in. Family meant everything to him, and he will forever mean everything to his family. As we remember him, let us carry forward his spirit of kindness, dedication, and love for life. He leaves behind cherished memories, lessons imparted, and an unbreakable bond that will live on in those he loved so deeply. Eric is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Cheek; his paternal grandparents, Rosa Lee and Irvin Lee Cheek; his maternal grandparents, Ushray and Thelma Tillerson; his sisters, Gwendolyn Young and Kisshia Smith. Eric's loving spirit will be carried on by his sons, Shamar Martin and Bryce Cheek; his mother, Brenda (Truman) Tillerson Williams; his siblings, Kevin Cheek, Patrick Williams, Marc Williams, Keith Williams, and Lance Cheek; his sisters, Renecea Nesbitt, Sheena Williams, Brittany Williams, and Jada Williams; as well as a long host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and students who will forever cherish the time they had.