He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 14, 1936, son of the late Charles Adolphus Chesnut and Annie (Ann) Myrl Blackwelder. He was a lifelong member of the Carrollton Presbyterian Church where Rev. Richard “Dick” Flynn had an early influence on his spiritual life.
He was a member of the class of 1955 at Carrollton High School, and graduated from Southern Technical Institute with a degree in Civil Engineering. He started his professional career working for Richards and Associates in Electrical Transmission and Substation construction. After several years there, he started Economy Electric Incorporated and eventually worked for Aubrey Silvey Enterprises.
In 1995, he started Quality Service Company from zero; growing it significantly in sales and employing over 30 employees. A selfless leader in the substation construction and service industry, he earned the respect and admiration of all for his dedication to customers and employees. This is evidenced by his never taking a salary, dividend or distribution from his company and giving generous to employees, colleagues, customers and friends.
He was held in high regard for his business tenacity, commitment to achievement and sense of humor. He earned the respect of many and held many lifelong friendships from work, church and school.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Charles Scott Chesnut and his former wife, Jane Turner Chesnut.
Survivors include his son, Jay Chesnut, wife Clementine and four granddaughters, Margot, Nina, Caroline, and Anna, all of Coronado, California; brothers, Tommy Chesnut and wife, Susie of Atlanta, John Appleton Mandeville and wife, Judy of Yorktown, Virginia, Cary Mandeville and wife, Ellie Hopkins of Atlanta, Georgia. Sisters include Verianne Chesnut Palmer and husband, Leon of Houston, Texas; Mary Chesnut of Hiawassee, Georgia, and Lula Mandeville Palmer and husband, Kim of Iowa City, Iowa; 11 nieces and nephews, and two stepsons, John Carter Clay and Matthew Neal Clay of Carrollton.
Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, at Almon Funeral Home. According to his wishes, his body will be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, October 6, at 2 p.m. at the Carrollton Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jan Tolbert officiating followed by a scattering of the ashes in the memorial garden at the Carrollton Presbyterian Church. Following the service, a reception will be held at the AmVets Post # 43,1202 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tanner Hospice Care, 101 Clinic Avenue, Carrollton, GA 30117.
Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.
Almon Funeral Home, Carrollton.
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