We mourn the loss of our beloved Father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. James “Ervin” Chumley also affectionately known as pawpaw, was called to his heavenly home on Friday September 13, 2024, at Grandview Hospital, leaving a void we will never fill.
He is survived by three daughters: Anita Gregory ( Dexter) , Lucinda Ray (Danny) and Charlotte McLain (Ronnie), 10 grandchildren: Kayla Gregory ( Jess) Patrick Bentley (Leann) Stephanie Brown (Nathan) Justin Ray (Summer) Alicia Young (Reetus), Shannon (Jeromy) James Leslie (Kelly) Link, Steven McLain, Shanna McLain, Junior McLain ( Jennifer) 13 Great grandchildren: Phenny, Chandler and Ava Brown, Elisa-Claire, Ayden and Hadley Young, Paisley James, Dalton, Myles, and Ally Johnson, Victoria Boothe, Taylor Walker, and Destiny McLain, and 1 great-great grandchild Luna Gothard. One sister Gail Wynn and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary Chumley, Son Tony Williams, granddaughter Shannon James, parents Charlie and Gracie Chumley. Three brothers: Kurt, Wyndell, and Hershel Chumley and one sister Dean Swafford.
Ervin worked at Grief Brother’s in Cullman 40 years until its closing.
The last 20 years of his life he worked at Priority Transportation. Everyone who entered the doors at Priority was greeted by Ervin affectionately, called pawpaw, with love, friendship, and prayers that were felt by all. He was always bringing treats, vegetables and of course his homemade pepper sauce. He was famous for his grilled cheese sandwiches dripping with butter and parched peanuts.
He was an avid University of Alabama football fan and very rarely seen without his Bama cap.
Ervin was a faithful member of Truth Church in Arab AL. He served God and the church with a pure heart full of compassion and faith. His famous saying was The Lord is still working!
He served in the Us Army, Dodge city volunteer fire department for 12 years and Lions Club for12 years. He had an undying passion for CCCDD and served as a board member for over 30 years where his son Tony, attended for many years. A group home was recently named in his honor. He lived a life of service to his family, friends and community, serving as a councilman for Dodge City Town Hall 30 years.
He was a hero in so many forms and we can’t imagine our lives without his hugs and smiles. He had a way of making everyone he met feel special. His life is a testimony of how God’s love flowed through him. His faithfulness comforts us as he joins loved ones waiting at the pearly gates of Heaven. His memory inspires us all to be a better person, better servant, better friend and carry on the values set forth in the way he lived his life every day. He created his own legacy. He will always be in our hearts and his memory will live on.
The viewing will be at Moss Funeral home on Tuesday September 17, 2024, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The service will be held Wednesday September 18, 2024, at 2:00pm with graveside Service at Beech Grove cemetery. Officiated by Pastor Stephen Funderburk.
