Having lost touch with much our family over the years,mom (Rose Smith,Becky Edison, and myself, Teresa Gilchriest), we are very saddened to learn of Buddies passing. are hearts and prayers go out to all of you.Love The Bill Smith Family,526 cr 4107 call,tx. 75933



Chester, Tuesday will be the anniversary of your death.  On that day we almost lost Dale, who nearly died prior to brain surgery.  We are fortunate, as he has recovered, albeit with much rehabilitation.

I won't forget reading Michael's message on Facebook that night as we sat in the E. R.  The shock and disbelief were tremendous.

Since January, however, we have had a reconnection with our cousins and their mother.  Stephen and family, along with our darling Helen Margaret, spent a week in Ohio in our area.  We were together for many happy hours and are looking forward to another meeting this summer.  

I feel a sense of completeness, having "found" a family whom I thought we had lost.  We are still hoping to see the rest of the siblings and their offspring in the future.  I am in touch with the girls on Facebook, which gives me great pleasure.  

I wish our brief contact with you in November, 2010, could have continued for a longer time, Chester.  I am glad to have touched on your life, even briefly.

Bobbie-Jo and Dale

I've had Max (Chester) in my heart and thoughts every single day since his leaving. I am grateful to have become close to him as in a brothership. This has been my most difficult year and Max continues to uplift me with the many things he told me, what he believed in, his love for Jacob, his determination to overcome, his warmth and compassion. I miss him so much. I am so grateful to have been close to him in 2010 and 2011. I will be thinking of Chesters son Jacob and all of his family, always wishing the best for you all. -Tommy Cotter

Well, almost a year since you died. As you probably know, Jacob is doing fine. He is a smart and, I think, a well adjusted young man, almost 14. He has spent more time with Mom and us than I thought was possbile a year ago, and I think will be herefor a little while longer.We dont talk alot about your death, more about the similarities between you two, as well as the occasional historic notation while we are doing something together that sparks a memory of you. His mother is doing her best to do the best for Jacob, and he knows he is loved greatly, by many. You are also loved greatly and missed greatly, by many.

When our cousin Chester was a child and known as Buddy, our children and the Smith children spent endless hours together when we were on vacation.  Then, after many years of disconnection, we were back in touch when our daughter, Jo, found him online.  She contacted the "boys" and ultimately Chester and I started Facebook communication.  When we were in Tennessee at our cabin in early December he spent a Saturday with us.  We went to the family cemetery, visited old homesites, and talked all day.  When he left we planned to continue our family relationship.  Unfortunately, January 3 my husband was rushed to a hospital with a serious illness, resulting in brain surgery.  That evening we learned that Chester had died that morning.  

We have been stunned to know that our "new" friend/cousin is gone.  He told us more about him and his family than I had ever known.  He talked at length about his wonderful son, Jacob, and his love for him, his siblings (particularly Stephen and Michael)  and for Helen Margaret.  Dale and I anticipated a long relationship with him in the future.  Fortunately we have become reacquainted with the family and hope to become close to them again.

Incidentally, I call him Chester as he asked, Chester Antler Smith III. He explained to me that the "Antler" came from the pen name of Leander Foster, his ancestor. However, he will always be Buddy to me.

Dear Steve and Family,
Just want you to know that my heart goes out to you during this most difficult time.  May God give you strength.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chaz became Max. He was the max. We were classmates wearing Navy clothes at The Defense Information School in 1978, check that, we were brothers in mirth. In Cuba we were laughing so much so often it was tearful. Jumped into the Carribean Sea one day in full dress uniform on a mutual dare, raced each other back to the shore to see who could finish a beer first. It was a laughing tie....so we did it again. Still tied, both won. Miss you bro, miss you muchly. Tears of joy back then. Different tears today.

Dan Dowd

To Chester’s friends and family-
I feel blessed to have known Chester and will be left poorer by his passing. Chester was intelligent, funny, passionate, compassionate and caring. I spoke with Chet several times every week for the past three or four years. We talked about everything from music, politics, and literature to religion, friends, family and daily events. Chet could discuss any topic because he was a voracious reader who loved knowledge and absorbed all that he read. A conversation with Chet always left me feeling enriched. 
During our hundreds of conversations, Chet’s favorite topic was Jacob, of whom he spoke often and lovingly. Chet loved to tell how smart, funny, and caring Jacob is. Jacob was the light of Chester’s life. Chester also spoke lovingly about Jacob’s stepbrother, Elijah. 
Chester was like a brother to me, and I will miss him like one.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Haven't seen Chester in years, but remember when he became Max Hackett. We all loved him.
Marlene Jabaley

I am so glad to have reunited with Chester shortly before he died. Reconnecting with this branch of my family has been on my mind for a long time. Spending many summers visiting and camping with the Smith family is one of my fondest memories. We send our deepest condolences and much love to his family. From the family of Bobbie-Jo and Dale Harris

I knew Max as a player on the baseball team I coached in East Ridge . I knew him as Chester, the little guy who came out to every practice . Every game Chester waited to be put in the game , I did. in place of his brother Steve and his face would light up with joy . I last saw Chester at East Gate Mall, emcee a community event, he was at his best . Max is at peace now , bless him and may he finally have found the happiness he sought for so long .

I worked with Max for a time at a local newspaper. He loved finding the facts, but more than that, he loved his son. I had the privilege to watch the sweet, yet comical, interaction between Max and Jacob several times. My heart breaks for Jacob, and the others who lost their dear friend.

Steve and Family,
 Our family ties date back to the days at OLPH and while we have not been in touch for many years, I have fond memories of your family. My thoughts and prayers are for you all during this time.

I was really shocked to hear that Max had passed away. I first met him while working at WMPZ in 1998 (then, Smooth Jazz 93.7).  I thought he was great on air and he was really devoted to his son Jacob. My prayers go out to Jacob and his family.

I  was very saddened to hear of Chester's passing.  I attended Notre Dame with Chester and haven't seen him since graduation.  I remember him as a very talented individual who was always caring of others and compassionate about life.  My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.  May he rest in peace.

Steve and Family, You are in my prayers during this difficult time. While I've not seem him much since high school, I've certainly heard 'Max'. 
May the Angels lead him into paradise; May the martyrs greet him and lead him into the holy city and may he have eternal rest.

Dear Helen Margaret and all my Smith family cousins,
I am so very sad to hear about Chester.
Please know that you are all very much in my thoughts and prayers.

I had the privledge of employing Max for the last couple of years until his recent employment back in radio. He was such a talented and intelligent man. We were very fortunate to have him on board during this time. He will be greatly missed by all of his many friends here at Wilkins Research. What I remember most about Max was how proud he was to be a father and how much his son meant to him. We will miss him dearly!

Helen Margaret and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Buddy. Our prayers,thoughts and love are with all of you during this tough time.

Chester was a dear friend for forty years and a very special, unique person.  Rarely in life do you encounter someone with Chester's intelligence, humor, compassion and passion for life. And a talented musician on top of that! I have countless memories of good times and good fellowship thanks to Chester.

What I will remember most about Chester was his perserverance and love and compassion for others.  Life hit Chester with some hard knocks, but he always kept going and had faith and hope for the days ahead.  No matter what was going on in his life, Chester always cared for and about others.  As others have noted, nothing could compare to Chester's love for Jacob. I talked a lot with Chester over the years and there was never a conversation where Chester didn't talk about Jacob and the joy that Jacob brought to his life.  

I'm stunned and saddened by Chester's passing.  Our world is a smaller place without him.  I'm going to miss him very much.

While I did not personally know Mr. Smith,III "Max", I had the privilege to listen to a clip of his radio program over the Internet through his brother Stephen C. Smith.  Stephen is my fellow co-worker.  I share in and mourn the loss with stephen and family and would like to convey my prayer of encouragement and strength to the family during your time of bereavement.  May you all find the courage to remain strong especially at this time and the grace to help you face tomorrow.......... Alfa Whittick, Durham, North Carolina.

My deepest sympathies to the Smith family. Max was a classmate of mine at Notre Dame. I have not seen him for many years but can recall very well his wit and humor.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

I only knew Max for a short while. He was always upbeat and smiling, and encouraging to everyone else, no matter what was going on with him. He seemed to talk about two things: sports; but most of all his beloved son.He would have given anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it, even if he had little materially.He had a giant heart.He will be missed.

I never met Chester, never knew that was his name till now, but I listened to Max on the radio since 1990 and felt like I knew him. He was truly gifted at what he did and I was so glad to find him on the radio again in recent months. Chester....Max, we your talk radio fans will truly miss you.

Max was my housemate for a few months around Christmas of last year. We rode up to Dayton one day to see Jacob, and he beamed for weeks. I'm probbaly one of the few that know his middle initial "A", stands for Antler. We had some good laughs about our family histories, and some good cries over missing our kids. Will miss Max.

Chester will be missed. He did the best he could, and no father, including me, could love his child more than he loved Jacob. We three brothers ran amok in our East Ridge 'hood in the 60's, exploring drianage pipes, building tunnels in the woods, pouring gas in yellow jacket holes to see could run the fastest. I remember Mom calling us home with a cow bell clanging and Buddy tilting his head and announcing "Well boys, this one's done. Last one home's a loser..."
The tree shinnying contests only stopped after one of us fell 50 feet (and only broke a few bones). Heck, how did we survive to be 10, much less in our 50's. While others new him as Max, he was "Buddy" until I was in 6th grade, then became Chet, then Chester to me. I would have to explain to my coaches that thier expectation that I would be a better athlete than I was,  was Chester's fault, not mine. 
I learned music appreciation one album at a time when he worked at the Record Bar. He taught me to fist fight, and when. He also had flaws, as we all do. I also learned from his mistakes. 
He had many friends, and I envy the strength of his friendships for life. We shared thousands of laughs, and Lord did he enjoy an argument, any argument.
I miss him.

Max was my friend. I am shocked and so very saddened. What Max loved most is his son Jacob. He and I spoke often and regularly for the past few years. We always talked about our kids. He always talked about Jacob! 
My heart is broken and I miss Max so much. He helped me in so many ways and he was a brother to me. Tommy Cotter

Chester's wit and love of music was exceeded only by his love of family and friends.  He was always willing to use his voice to help others less fortunate. 

I consider it an honor to have known him. He was a part of our family and will be greatly missed.

I first met Chester in 1976, then he became Chester Max, and finally I made the transition - as did so many of us who loved him - to calling him Max. We exchanged letters when he was in the Navy and some of the finest literature in my home are contained within the envelopes from Chester. 

I am happy that I knew Chester Max for more than three decades because I was fortunate to have been his friend when he was soaring, when he made me think and made me laugh. And I am glad that I could be there for him during the many times that he needed a friend. So while he did make me think and laugh and even nurture him at times ... today he is breaking my heart.

OBITUARY

Chester A. Smith III

January 23, 1957 – January 3, 2011

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist - East Chapel

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