Walter "Butch" H. Cheely, Jr.

Walter H. Cheely Jr., 62, of Nichols, NY., ended his final road trip when he passed peacefully Monday evening, February 28, 2011~he was surrounded by loved ones in a Memphis, TN. hospital. He was born in Vienna, Austria on February 25, 1949 to Walter H. Cheely Sr. and Lillian Cheely. After spending years traveling the world as a military family, they settled in Nichols, NY, the place Walter called home. At 17, he enlisted into the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War and becoming the first local man to cross the equator. After his time of service, he put forth his best effort to settle down, but staying in one place wasn't the life for a traveler at heart. Walter joined a traveling carnival and toured the United States with his wife and two children in tow. Later he took up the position of a truck driver and spent more time traveling the country he loved - but always planning his route with a stop at home in mind. Walter, or "Butch", as his family called him, may not have always been by your side physically but was always only a phone call away and could be depended on to listen and offer an anecdote to any problem a friend may have. He loved to go fishing with friends and enjoyed listening to Gretchen Wilson. Walter could spend a day on the water and catch nothing, but if he and his boat came back in one piece it was a good day. Many will remember Walter saying, "I don't raise kids, I just make them", and "If your kids turn out like you, you have failed as a parent." He touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He rests in peace knowing he made great kids who exceeded his expectations. Walter is survived by Barbara F. Every, his partner and anchor in life; his three sons and their families, Christopher B. Cheely, his wife Tammy and son Christian, of Myrtle Beech, VA; Archie B. Cheely, his wife Allison and their four children; Shantae, Sabastian, Seren, and Susan, of Waverly, NY; and Dennis Pond and wife Leslie of Owego, NY. He is also survived by his parents, Walter H. Cheely, Sr. and Lillian Cheely, his three brothers; John, Tom, and Randy Cheely of Nichols, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews, honorary children and numerous friends. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Katrina Cheely in 1984. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours and a time of sharing memories on Friday, March 4th from 1-3 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 12 noon at the funeral chapel where full military honors will be accorded. Memories and condolences for Walter's family may be share by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Walter's name to the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association."