Gene L. Chestnutt, 72 of Phenix City, Alabama, returned to his heavenly home on May 24, 2024, after fighting pancreatic cancer. Gene was born in Tifton to Sam L. Chestnutt and Wynell H. Chestnutt. He graduated from Mercer University in 1976. Gene worked for the Department of Labor for 30 years and was a preacher for over 20 years, serving at various churches. Most recently he was the pastor at Pittsview Baptist Church.
Gene was a fighter from birth, he just had to figure out what was worth fighting for. Once he committed himself to his family and winning souls for Jesus, his purposeful energy was unstoppable. Gene married Lynn Chestnutt in 1976 after meeting in a clothing store in downtown Tifton, Ga. They loved to travel and spend time together walking and talking. Gene and Lynn went on to have two children: Joshua (Erica) Chestnutt and Carrie (Brant) Cooper. His family was the most important thing in Gene’s life. Gene spent many hours coaching Josh in baseball and soccer, as well as attending Carrie’s many dance recitals. Whenever his kids needed him, he was there. From moving each of them multiple times in college and beyond, to helping with house projects, Gene showed up for those he loved.
After Gene retired, every decision he made was based on how best to serve his family and his church. He first moved out to the lake to create a family playground, and he even learned to drive a pontoon boat because his family wanted to try out boating. When the grandkids were born, he sold the lakehouse and moved back to town to be closer to them.
Gene’s favorite role in life was that of Papa to his six grandchildren. He had many “Papa” shirts that he wore proudly. Gene was an involved grandparent, taking the night shift with his grandkids when they were babies so that their parents could get some sleep. He cheered Tucker on in hitting his first home run. Rowan was a huge fan of playing the “spot game” with Papa. He was first in line for school pickup of Elizabeth, Katherine, William, and Alexandra. He became a regular at the soccer fields, watching William play. Gene even became a “Cheer-Papa” attending numerous cheerleading competitions. Gene and Lynn took several trips to Disney with the grandchildren because he loved spending time with them. When Gene learned of his cancer diagnosis, he began to prepare his family for his death. His final prayer was to be able to contribute to his family and his church up until his death. He told his wife that he wanted to use the time he had left to share the love of Christ with others. Gene kept preaching and teaching Sunday school up until the week that he died. He taught his last Sunday school lesson five days before he passed away. He also attended Rowan’s dance recital and Katherine’s birthday party the week of his death. Gene was present and devoted to his family and his church until his final day. Genie-Beanie will be greatly missed by all those who love him. They will miss his sense of humor, his love for Dr. Pepper and chocolate and his hugs. Gene lived his life with a purpose and he made sure everyone he encountered heard of his love for his Savior.
Gene Chestnutt is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynn E. Chestnutt. His children Joshua (Erica) Chestnutt of Columbus, Ga; Carrie (Brant) Cooper of Savannah, Ga. Grandchildren Elizabeth, Katherine, William, and Alexandra Chestnutt; Tucker and Rowan Cooper. Siblings Terry (Vicky) Chestnutt, Drew (Debbie) Chestnutt, Brian (Leigh) Chestnutt. Sister-in-laws Joy E Roberson and Tawanda Chestnutt. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Sam L. and Wynell H. Chestnutt; his brothers Hal and David Chestnutt; his in-laws J.E. and Harriett Edmondson; and his brother-in-law Steve Edmondson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30 at Strifler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus, Ga. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with the Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton, Ga on June 15 at 11:00 am. Donations can be made in Gene’s honor to the American Cancer Society or your favorite ministry.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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