Wesley “Wes” Warren Chesser Sr., 87, of Troutville, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
He was born on March 25, 1931 to John Richard and Leola Marguarite Chesser. He served in the United States Navy and worked for many years for General Electric Co. in Salem. He retired from GE and turned his focus to enjoying work on the family farm, where he raised beef cattle. He loved his life on the farm and spent hours tending the cows, raising vegetables, working on building projects, tinkering on and fixing cars and tractors, and enjoying the farm’s mountain views. Wes was a tireless worker who taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and determination. His relentless devotion to his family was particularly evident as he tenderly cared for his wife Nina in the last years of her life.
He was a proud grandfather and delighted in visits from his many great-grandchildren. He unofficially mentored various people over the years, passing on his vast knowledge and skills related to mechanics, building, and farming, but the greatest legacy he leaves is the example of his character. He was the “salt of the earth,” a man who made the world better simply by being himself: kind, dedicated, sweet-spirited, determined, and generous. His quiet strength, gentle wit, and saintly patience will be missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of love and a model of how to live a faithful, honest, and good life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina Roberson Chesser; his brother, Robert Chesser; his parents, and his daughter, Bertha Anne Williamson. He is survived by Bertha’s daughters, Pauline Pauley (husband Andrew and children Preston and Maren) and Virginia Hollar; son, Fred Williamson, his wife Donna Thompson and their children, Derick Williamson (wife Kelly) and Kristin Lewis (husband Jason and daughters Avery, Elle and Ollie); daughter, Linda Lloyd, her husband Herbert, and their son Herbert “Billy” Lloyd, Jr. (wife Terri and son Devyn); son, James Williamson, his wife Margaret and their children, Karen Williamson (husband Rick Gainey and children Nick, Sophie, Jonathan, and soon-expected Max), Lisa Hillstrom (husband Garrett and children Noah, Audrey, and Everett), and Thomas Williamson (fiancé Tara); son, Wesley “Butch” Chesser Jr. and his sons Wesley Chesser (daughter McKenna) and Michael Chesser; and son Mark Chesser, his wife Pam, and their children Chris LaPradd (fiancé Gretchen and children Skylar, Kayden, Brayden, and Everlee) and Heather Crouch (husband Joseph and son Joseph Mark).
A celebration of life was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 24 at Rader Funeral Home, Daleville with the Rev. Dr. JaeHaeng Choi officiating. Burial with military honors was in Godwin Cemetery. The family received friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Fincastle United Methodist Church, 137 S. Church Street, Fincastle, 24090. Online condolences may be made at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
