Birth date: Jun 7, 1955 Death date: Jan 9, 2026
Russell Clark Cheatham June 7, 1955 – January 9, 2026 Russell Clark Cheatham, 70, of Eustis, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026. Born on June 7, 1955, in Eustis, Russell was a lifelong resident who dedicated his l Read Obituary
Jimmy Bridgewater lit a candle in memory of Russell Cheatham
I first met Russell in 1978 while attending Lake Sumter Community College and we later became co workers at Lake County Mosquito and Aquatic Plant Management in or around 1989.Russell can only be described as capable and outstanding in every way... as a soldier and U.S.Army Ranger as a mechanic,hunter ,fisherman,son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. I and all that knew him were amazed at how well he could do or fix anything in any situation.He was the guy you would want by your side if you were lost in the woods in the middle of the night, stranded on the road or on the water and if you asked for his help he was there.I am fortunate to have many good friends and people in my life but none that I liked, trusted or respected any more than Russell Cheatham.I spoke to him just a few short months ago by phone and told my feelings towards him and now with his sad and tragic passing I am so glad that I did.May God bless his soul and comfort his family and friends in our great loss.Rest peacefully R.C.
Russell showed me that a life well lived is one grounded in family, service, and a love for the outdoors. He reminded everyone around him to value hard work, appreciate the simple things, and enjoy meaningful time with the people who matter most.
My fondest memory of Russell was the night he hooked the biggest tarpon he had ever caught. The fight lasted over 20 minutes, with the fish going airborne and nearly jumping into another fisherman’s boat. We weaved in and out of sailboats and anchor lines as it peeled off drag, his reel singing the entire time. Through it all, Russell kept up a running commentary, completely in his element and loving every second of the fight.
