1Sg (Retired) James Earl Chester

1SG (Retired) James Earl Chester, 71, of Phenix City, AL passed away early Monday morning in the comfort of his home in Phenix City.

A celebration of life graveside memorial service with full Military Honors will take place at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm EDT.  The family will receive friends at the memorial service at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.  The family would like to invite anyone who would like to attend 1SG Chester service to meet at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City by 1:45 pm EDT to leave in procession by 2:00 pm EDT to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Mr. Chester was born January 3, 1946 in Quincy, FL to the late James Thomas Chester and Vivian Elizabeth Tucker Chester Champion.  He served our country proudly and was retired from the United States Army. After his career in the service, he had worked most of his life in the auto parts business and had served as a manager locally for Advance Auto Parts in Phenix City.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 35 in Columbus, GA, and a member of the VFW 5228 in Smiths Station.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, and arts and crafts.  He was a Baptist by faith.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracey Elizabeth Ferree.

 He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Rebecca “Becky” Ann McLain Chester, son, James “Keith” Chester and Ashley Ford, two sisters, Theresa Corley and husband David, and Margaret Messer and husband Hutson, three grandchildren, Hannah Chester, Austin Chester, and Rebecca Lavoie, and one precious great granddaughter, Makenzie Lavoie, numerous other loving family, members, and many caring friends.