Chester Wayne Wilson passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Man of God Family Man Hard Working Man
Born May 18, 1935 to John C & Ida Starrett Wilson in Avinger, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Carriemae Wilson Walker, brothers Herman “Jug”, Alex “Buddy”, Wendell, Jerald, and Clarence Wilson. Survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley Renfrow Wilson, daughter Vicki Wilson of White Oak, sons Gary Wilson & Jalaine of Kilgore, Ronnie Wilson & Joanne of Hughes Springs, 8 grand, 21 great, 1 great great, numerous step grandkids and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving active duty as a SP4 US Army from 1953 – 1955 and honorably discharged October 31, 1961. Chet met Shirley in Anadarko, Oklahoma while stationed at Fort Sill Military Base. They were married November 6, 1955 at the apartment Chet had rented and furnished before bringing Shirley to Avinger. They resided in Avinger for 40 years before moving to Longview in 2003 and eventually moving to Arabella Independent Living.
During Chet’s lifetime, he served as song leader for 21 years at the First Baptist Church of Avinger, ordained as a Deacon in 1964 and was involved with the youth for many years. Employed at Lone Star Steel for 10 years, Dewey Moore Ford Dealership for 21 years and opened “Chester Wilson Motors” until he retired in 2011.
Refereed basketball, member of the SBOA; coached Little League Baseball and Pee Wee Basketball in Avinger; served on school board for Avinger ISD 9 years; charter member of the Hughes Springs Ambulance service serving 30 years; Deputy Constable under his Uncle GT Starrett for several years; charter member of the Avinger Lions Club; helped start Miss Avinger Pageant & MC’ing for several years, and a member of the original Wildflower Trails Committee.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview. Interment will follow 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Avinger Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
A visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Avinger on Tuesday, January 30 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Chet’s name.
Services
Visitation: January 30, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
First Baptist Church Avinger
300 W. Depot
Avinger, Texas 75630
Funeral Ceremony: January 31, 2024 10:00 am
Woodland Hills Baptist Church
2105 E Loop 281
Longview, Texas 75605
Condolences from the Pendley family of Avinger, May Jesus Christ bless you all Amen.
James and I are so sorry for your loss we will be praying for you and your family our deepest condolences he was a great man.
Darlene and James Chisolm
I love you all. You couldn’t know Chet snd not love him. Prayers for all of you!
Ronnie, So sorry to hear about your daddy! Prayers for you and the family. Your daddy was a mess, one of a kind!
Ronnie, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. God bless you all.
Uncle Chet, you will be greatly missed. All the words to Aunt Shirley, your kids, grandkids, and great kids etc. I love you guys and I’m praying for you. Uncle Chet and his secrets he always needed to tell me will live on in my heart in a special place.
Knew Chester Wayne when we were just children in Avinger. Always thought of him as a friend. Praying for Shirley and all of the family.
We are so sad to hear about this. He was such a great man. Sending prayers to all of the family.
Excellent obit for Chester Wayne. Truly a life well-lived in service to his family, his church and Savior, his community, and his country!
A man who truly loved his family. I have never seen such a love that him and Shirley shared. Truly one of a kind. He will be missed by all who knew him. I know my daughter ,Carrie, and granddaughter, Olivia, will miss him alot. They were very lucky to call him THEIR Daddy Chet ❤❤❤
Rest in Peace Bro. Chet
Shirley, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.