Mr. Murphy Cheatham

MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at St. Paul UMC Church.  Interment will follow at Northwest La. Veteran Cemetery.  Open visitation will be from 11 to 5 p.m. Monday at Heavenly Gates.

Murphy Dalton Cheatham, Sr. was born February 19,1941, in Fisher, Louisiana to Mary and John Mifflin Cheatham. He was the youngest of 10 children. He was extremely proud of his birth rank. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Leesville, Louisiana for economic reasons. They joined Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where he began his lifelong Christian journey. They were involved in virtually all church activities.

Murphy (affectionally known as Cheat by his peers) was a “blue chipper” basketball player in high school and was the only African American on his team at Citrus Junior College in Azusa, California. He also learned golf at an early age mentored by his big brother Fletcher.

After serving honorably for his country in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at Grambling College now Grambling State University. Murphy was captain of the golf team and received the honor of being named a “Grambling Legend” for his expertise in that sport. He was an excellent athlete and scholar. Murphy graduated with a BS degree in Health & Physical Education and Business Administration with honors.

In 1965, Murphy met a fellow student, Eddie Jean Braggs, who became the love of his life. They were married after graduation and moved to Oakland, California. They were blessed with two lovely children, M’Charlotte Abbie and Murphy Dalton Cheatham II. Murphy and Eddie Jean built a beautiful life together for their family. After 36 years with State Farm Insurance, Murphy retired and they relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana. They enjoyed Grambling State football and too many social activities to list here. Murphy had a special bond with the members of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he served as both Sunday school teacher and treasurer. Murphy was a voracious reader, a volunteer for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, a member of Grambling Alumni Association and the Lords of Top Ladies of Distinction. Murphy was a life-time member of his beloved fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.

Murphy is preceded in death by his parents Mary and John Cheatham, (six sisters) Maggie, Jessie, Hattye, Doris, Geneva and Charlesetta, (two brothers) Earl and John Jr. His brother, Fletcher “Jack” Cheatham (Mary) will cherish his memory forever. Murphy will serve as a guiding angel above for his wife Eddie Jean, daughter M’Charlotte, son Murphy II (Chantel), granddaughter (Michaela), God-son Charles Williams (Tracie), God-daughter Claudia Walker (Brian), sisters-in-law Evelyn Braggs and Faye Williams, brother-in-law Sam Holman, Jr along with numerous nieces, nephews, golf buddies and friends who loved him beyond measure.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Murphy Cheatham, please visit our floral store.