Anthony “Tony” Leander Cheatham

Anthony “Tony” Leander Cheatham was called home to be with his Lord on the eve of the New Year December 31, 2020. Tony was born on December 4, 1957 in Lynchburg, Virginia to A. Leroy and Rosa Cheatham. He was the second of five children to bless the family.

Tony was educated in the Campbell County and Lynchburg Public School Systems before his graduation from E. C. Glass High School in 1976. Tony continued his educational pursuits graduating from Hampton Institute (University) in 1980 with his B.S. Degree and later from George Washington University with his M. S. Degree. Tony was approaching retirement from his 40-year career with the Environmental Protection Agency where he began service as a summer student and advanced through the ranks to become Branch Chief. He loved his work in the Information Technology division and was a very dedicated employee for the Agency. During his tenure, he became one of the first Document Control Officers for the Agency. At work, he was affectionately known as “Mr. CBI.”

Tony began his spiritual journey at a young age with his baptism at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. His journey with the Lord never ceased and his spiritual home at transition was The People’s Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland pastored by the Rev. Haywood Robinson Jr.

Tony was a very spiritual and humble man who never asked for anything. His love of his mother, father and family, people, and service to mankind was his earthly reward. He never sought praise, reward, or notoriety for his many contributions or accomplishments at work or while performing community service. He just did what needed to be done. Many at the EPA knew him from his efforts to mentor inspiring young students to seek higher education.

That school by the beach was an incredibly special part of his life. A true Hamptonian, there was nothing that he would not do for Hampton University and its students to make it the premiere HBCU in America. A previous President for the National Hampton Alumni Association, his was always on a mission to recruit students to attend his beloved university.

Tony was a very active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter. There he participated at all levels of the fraternity. He held positions at the Chapter, District, Regional and National Level of the fraternity. Amongst his many contributions, his most fulfilling experiences were President of the Alpha Scholarship Endowment Foundation for his Chapter and the being past chairman of the Black Youth Achievement Program. The mentor in chief never missed an opportunity to inspire, encourage and help a young person to aspire to achieve more for his or herself.

The depth of his contributions to all aspects of society also included memberships with Blacks in Government and the African American Male Forum. Further, he participated in the annual Red Cross Walk-a-Thon and contributed to raising thousands of dollars for those in need.

He was preceded in death by his sister Rhonda N. Austin. His memory will be cherished by his loving parents, A. Leroy and Rosa Cheatham; two brothers, Elvis and Gerald Cheatham; one sister, Sherry Cheatham; two nieces, Rhonette Cheatham and Khalilah Foskey; one nephew; Larry Jones Jr.; two great nieces, Janiah and Peyton Foskey; and three great nephews, Kayvon Foskey, Kahliel Foskey and Reid Michael Jones; his devoted Maryland friends, Ronald Johnson, Marcia Milton, Doris Williams, Rev. Haywood Robinson Jr. and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Tharp Funeral Home Chapel, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.