Jimmie Lee “Tony” Check, of Fuquay Varina, NC, passed from this world to be with our Lord Jesus on October 14, 2011 at the age of 77. Tony is survived by his loving wife Gloria Beymer Check. They were married June 4, 1983 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID and were blessed with a strong and enduring love for each other; a love that included much happiness and comfortable companionship. Tony’s final promise to his wife was: “Sweetheart, please don’t be sad; I’ll be waiting for you in Heaven.” Prior to retirement, Tony’s occupation was managing private clubs in Washington and Idaho. He was the manager of the Vashon Golf and Country Club during the early ‘80s, where he met his wife, Gloria. Stationed at Fairchild U.S.A.F base in Washington State, Tony served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1956. His favorite pastime was his daily brisk walk in the downtown area of Seattle. Refreshed, he would stop for coffee and chat with friends – especially with his good friend ‘T.Y.’ In Spokane, the highlight of his day was an invigorating stroll. As his health declined, he would wish and yearn for the days when he could walk and converse with his friends. His wish came true; he is now walking in Heaven with his friend Jesus. Tony was born as Jimmie Lee Check in Indianapolis, Indiana on Mar 15, 1934 and was predeceased by his parents, John Thomas Check & Zella Mae (Allison) Check and by his 3 brothers: Thomas John Check, Russell Alexander Check and Frederick Leo Check.

Tony will be sorely missed by his good friend & former sister-in-law, Connie G. Barnes of Ephrata, Washington, and by his best and loyal friends Jerry Bakke of AZ and Wally Pratt of Spokane, WA. Our fun-loving, good-natured Tony will be missed by all who knew him.

Tony is survived by his sons from the union with his 1st wife Carol L. Elmquist: Michael V. Check (Linda F.) of Priest River, ID & Joel P. Check (Laurel F.) of North Bend, WA, and by his daughter from the union with his 2nd wife, Brenda J. Barnes: Toni M. (Check) Mason (Marshal Lee Mason CDR, Ret. USN) of California, MD. Tony leaves behind his step-daughters from the union of Gloria’s 1st marriage to Michael P. Spakowsky of Vashon Island, Washington: Traci J. (Spakowsky) Palagi & her husband Guy Palagi, of Seattle, Washington; Jane A. (Spakowsky) DesRosier, & her husband Steven G. DesRosier, of Lillington, NC; and Daphne M. (Spakowsky) Edwards & her husband MAJ Raymond Keith Edwards, PhD, U.S. Army, of Bunnlevel, NC. Tony leaves behind his two very special nieces, Tina M. (Olson) Patton & her husband Douglas W. Patton of Seattle, Washington and Tully R. (Barnes) Kasparek & her husband Gary R. Kasparek of Spokane, Washington; Tony will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: David A. Check & Devin W. M. Check; Zachary S. Check & Sydney Y. Check; Gabriel B. Mason, Nathanial R. Mason, Faith M. Mason & Alyssa L. Mason; Asa G. K. Palagi & Carmelita J. Palagi, Annah M. DesRosier & Jacob G. DesRosier, and Carolina O. Edwards & Evangeline C. Edwards.

Tony’s ashes will be buried at Vashon Island Cemetery at a later date.

Paid Obituary.