Chester E. Wilson

Chester Eugene Wilson, age 92, of Alabaster, Alabama passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Chester was born on Friday May 6, 1932, to William Chester Wilson and Inez Riley Wilson. He was raised in Tuscaloosa along with 3 siblings.

Immediately after graduating high school, Chester joined the United States Air Force, where he worked as an Engine Mechanic. During his time of service, he received the OCC Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal. While in the Air Force, he was stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. This is where he met the love of his life, Gloria Cheatham.

After an honorable discharge, Chester went on to work for GE Motors and graduated from Emory Riddle School of Aviation of Miami, FL. in 1951. On July 3, 1955, he and Gloria were married and together raised a son and a daughter. The family traveled often for Chester's work and lived in places such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. After 33 years of dedicated service, Chester retired and came home to Florence, Alabama. Once his children were grown, he and his wife moved to Alabaster, Alabama, where they have resided for 17 years.

Chester was a traditional southern man and a great believer in chivalry. He always kept himself prim and proper, as well as showing his daughter exactly how she should be treated, and his son how to properly treat a lady. He opened doors, cleaned ice off of windshields, and never spanked. Chester was also a member of the American Legion as well as an avid golfer. Most importantly, Chester was a strong and faithful Christian man, and raised his family to believe in the word of God. He was a lifelong deacon at many churches across the United States. When the couple settled in Alabaster, they joined Alabaster First Baptist Church where he served until he lost his sight.

Chester will join in heaven his beloved wife of 67 years, Gloria Wilson; parents, William Chester and Inez Wilson; and siblings, Charlie Joe Wilson and Jeanette Johnson.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Carol Clem (Stan) and Darryl E. Wilson; sister, Frances Wilson Vardaman (Jimmy); granddaughter, Jaclyn Wilson Sides (Christopher); great-granddaughters, Shelby and Piper Sides; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his church family.

Chester was a generous and kind Christian man. He was a loving husband, and fantastic father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held at Alabaster First Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Finally a committal service with honors will be held at Alabama National Cemetery at 1:15 pm. Pallbearers will include Christopher Sides, Chuck Streets, Jim Burks, Eddie Newman, Bill Carr, and Mike Worthy. Brother Steve Andrews to officiate.