Robert Hugh Chastain

Attorney and College Adjunct Instructor, Robert Hugh Chastain, 64, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia. The beloved husband for 39 years of Judy Howle Chastain, Robert was born in Marietta, GA, the son of Ana L. Chastain and the late Walter H. Chastain, loving and nurturing parents.

Robert was a retired real estate and corporate attorney, as well as a long-time adjunct instructor of business regulation & compliance at Gwinnett Technical College. An accomplished musician who sang lyric baritone, and played the piano and the pipe organ, he also was a self-taught artist, sculpture student, enjoyed social dancing, and was a creative inventor who received two utility patents. He passionately enjoyed all fine art, sculpture, classical and modern architecture.

Chastain was a graduate of Sprayberry High School, Marietta GA, Trinity College of Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, and Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, GA. Robert was a member of the Georgia Bar Association, and of Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. He also was a member of Mensa and Intertel, international organizations for the intellectually gifted.

Robert fell in love at first sight with his wife, Judy Howle, at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, where they met during auditions for a community production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” He found his soul-mate in this charming musical stage actress, church pianist, and successful TBS television media executive.

He and his precious Judy were blessed to pursue international travel, as well as relaxing at the beach on Amelia Island, FL, or enjoying the mountain views at Asheville, NC’s Biltmore Estate. Robert’s favorite painters were El Greco, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Mark Rothko, as well as California sculptor Brett Price, and Georgia contemporary artist, Lorenzo Scott. Because he was a lover of beauty and history, Robert’s favorite cities were all those with great architecture and museums of art or archaeology.

During his 14 years of teaching wonderfully diverse, hard-working students at Gwinnett Tech, Robert provided much volunteer work in his neighborhood. He also participated in the intercessory prayer team of Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Robert considered his own greatest achievement to be many positive reviews and kind feedback he received from Gwinnett Tech students.

Chastain Scholarship funds are or are to be established with the Gwinnett Tech Foundation, Trinity International University, and the Safe Harbor Boys Home, a Christian maritime academy in Jacksonville, FL, for those who would like to honor Robert’s life.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother, Ana, sister, Linda (Tom) Lancaster, brother, Anthony (Leisa) Chastain, aunt Annette Gravitt, aunt Joy and uncle Ralph Rotger, aunt Pat Rotger, niece Rachel (Bob) Bryant, nephew Dr. Stephen Lancaster (Kevin Vaughn), along with grandnieces, grandnephews and many wonderful cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 6th, at H.M. Patterson and Sons, Sandy Springs Arlington Chapel, with burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by a reception for family and friends at the funeral home’s social gathering facility.