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BORN

1927

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

The Springs Funeral Services ~ Austin Bluffs

4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Paul Chestnut Obituary


Retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul Chestnut, 90, of Colorado Springs, Colo., passed away at his home with family at his side Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. Paul was the son of Albert Buck "Vannie" and Laila Pennington Chestnut. He was born in Gastonia on Dec. 30, 1927.
Paul was a native of the Carolinas, growing up in Horry County S.C., Gaston and Brunswick counties. At 16, Paul joined the war effort in 1944, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During his military career spanning 26 years, he served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was on five continents and greater than 30 countries. He cruised both on and under the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as part of the 'Silent Service', the U.S. Submarine Service. Paul was a proud Plank Owner of the USS Tinosa SSN 606. He completed his initial enlistment in the Navy in 1946 and joined the U.S. Army, earning glider wings and jump wings as a paratrooper. While serving in the Army, he met and married his wife, Rachel Brannon of Dallas, N.C., in 1951. After his Army enlistment, he returned to the U.S. Navy and stayed for the next two decades. The couple expanded into a family of five moving over a dozen times during his career.
Paul experienced the 'wild blue yonder' (airborne) to the 'deep blue sea' (submariner service) and all points in between. After retirement from the Navy in 1970 at his last duty station, Kenitra, Morocco, Paul and his family returned to Brunswick County, the home he always loved. He became the first fire chief for the newly organized volunteer fire department at Sunset Beach in 1972. He worked as a bridge tender for one of the last swing bridges in the state, a shrimper, and store manager. Paul was baptized and became an active member of Shallotte Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon.
Paul and Rachel moved to Wilmington in 1976 where Paul continued to work in security and other managerial positions. He was active in the BPOE Elks Lodge in Wilmington and volunteered for the VA in Fayetteville. He was an avid coin collector and was a member of the Lower Cape Fear Coin Club.
Paul and Rachel were active in square dance for several years while in Wilmington and made trips to Europe, Mexico and South America during their early retirement years. Family visits were always on the itinerary to visit out-of-town children, grandchildren and other family. They moved to California in 2000, then to Colorado in 2007 to stay close to family. Paul joined the Submariners Club in Colorado Springs and participated in the annual Veterans Day parade and community philanthropic endeavors until his last year.
Paul was a much loved and respected husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his large family. The patriarch at all gatherings, his presence made any event matter more. He was generous of heart and generous with forgiveness. Paul sacrificed much for his family. He did it with a loving and devoted heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Barbara Susan Chestnut; brothers, A. B. Chestnut Junior, Gene Marion Chestnut, James "Jimmy" Albert Chestnut; and sister, Mary Lynn Chestnut.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Rachel Brannon Chestnut; daughters, Paula Raymond, Debra Chestnut, and Nancy (Paul) Reifke; grandchildren, Maxine Inman, Dr. Georgianna Shea, David Flick, Summer Bartshe, Zachary Williamson, Steven Benton, Erik Reifke, Paul Reifke, and Evgeny (Zhenya) Reifke; sister, Johnnie Mae (Roland "Babe") Thomas; sisters-in-law, Connie Chestnut, Sue Chestnut, and Linda Chestnut; and 11 great-grandchildren that have had the privilege of knowing their great-grandfather; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at Concord United Methodist Church in Supply in the spring of 2019.
Paul will be laid to final rest close to his daughter, Barbara Susan Chestnut and brother, A.B. "Jr." Chestnut. Paul will finally be home again, in his beloved Brunswick County.
Arrangements by The Springs Funeral Services: www.tsfs.co

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Brunswick Beacon on Dec. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Raymond Fritz

December 19, 2018

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Paul's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Paul's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Phin we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Chestnut, Paul , RMC(SS), US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol. Fair Winds and Following Seas to our departed shipmate.
Paul's record is posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.

I have one consolation that lives with me today.
That God is near to them, in his own special way.
So God in all Your mercy, keep near Thyself the soul,
Of every Submariner, still on his final patrol.

Lord, this departed shipmate with Dolphins on his chest
is part of an outfit known as the best.
Make him welcome and take him by the hand.
You'll find without a doubt he was the best in all the land.

So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll
of our departed shipmates still on patrol.
Let them know that we who survive
will always keep their memories alive.

Rev. Ray Fritz, Acting National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Carolina Piedmont Base, USSVI

December 12, 2018

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. One day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 17:3.

December 12, 2018

MATTHEW 6:10 ASSURES US " LET YOUR KINGDOM COME." MAY THESE WORDS BE OF GREAT COMFORT NOW AND THE WEEKS AHEAD.

Nancy Reifke

December 11, 2018

Miss you,Daddy.

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