Shellie "Gene" Eugene Chester

Mr. Shellie Eugene Chester Gene Chester, 76, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016 surrounded by his family at his home in Newnan. He was born December 27, 1939 in Statesboro, GA to the late Eulie Chester & Mildred Ellis Chester. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Don Chester. Gene grew up in Statesboro, GA and was a 1958 graduate of Portal High School. He moved to Newnan, GA in 1964 and worked for Sears & Roebuck for several years before opening his own New York Life Insurance Agency. After retiring from the insurance business, he found great peace and fulfillment in starting his own cattle farm. Chester Farms had over 200 head of cattle he diligently cared for. Gene was a man of tremendous faith who was devoted to his Lord and his church. His life revolved around his faith, his family, and his cattle. He was an active, longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Newnan where he served as an usher and was a member of the Joshua Sunday School Class. The funeral is Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11 o’clock in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Emeott, Rev. Doug Bearden, & Dr. Jimmy Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The visitation is Monday evening between 6:00-8:00 at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St, Newnan. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 15 West Washington St, Newnan, GA 30263. The family would like to thank Mr. Chester’s sisters-in-law who served as caregivers, Judy Spinks & Carolyn Boggs, Dr. Jimmy Smith and his team of nurses, and Gentiva Hospice. The pallbearers are Joel Chester, Ches Chester, David Scott Chester, Jacob Chester, Josh Thompson, James Thompson, John Thompson, Rick Silver, Russ Silver. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com Survivors include wife of 50 years, Patricia Spinks Chester; children, Chet (Lisa) Chester, Jon Eric Chester, Scott (Ms. Michael Barnes) Chester, Amy (Richard) Chester Thompson; siblings, Adrian (Gwen) Chester, Pat Morris, Sue Silver; grandchildren, Kayle Chester, Pate Chester, Ches Chester, Emily Chester, David Scott Chester, Jacob Chester, Joel Chester, Josh Thompson, James Thompson, John Chester Thompson; great-grandchildren, Emma Kate Thompson, Jace Richard Thompson; special nephew, Russ Silver; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Shellie "Gene" Eugene Chester

December 27, 1939 - March 19, 2016