ROYCE CHESSER

CHESSER, Royce Warner, of Atlantic, Va., passed away on August 16, 2013, at the age of 91. Born in Atlantic on February 12, 1922, he was the son of Claude V. and Daisy Warner Chesser, who predeceased him along with an infant sister; and a brother, C.V. Chesser Jr. He was a life-long member of Atlantic Baptist Church where he had held numerous offices. He was life deacon and had served as church clerk for over 50 years. He was a long-time Sunday School teacher and taught his class for the last time just one month before his passing. He was organist and choir director as well as pianist for an extended period of time. Mr. Chesser was a graduate of Temperanceville High School and received a B.A. degree from Wake Forest College and an M.Ed. degree from The College of William and Mary. He also did graduate work at the University of Virginia. Mr. Chesser began his long career in education as an English teacher at Atlantic High School, then was transferred to Bloxom High School, where he served as principal. Later he held supervisory positions in Accomack County schools and ultimately served five years as school superintendent. In 1962, he began teaching full time at the College of William and Mary, where he had already been on the summer faculty for years. After retirement, he supervised student teachers for Salisbury and Old Dominion Universities. He is survived by several cousins and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, at 2 p.m. at Atlantic Baptist Church, with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Richard Inman, pastor, and the Rev. George W. Pullium Jr., former pastor, will officiate. Friends may call at the church during the hour preceding the service. Flowers will be welcome or contributions may be made to Atlantic Baptist Church, care of Audrey Furness, treasurer, 33190 Taylor Farm Rd., Temperanceville, Va. 23442. Arrangements are by Fox Funeral Home, Temperanceville, Va. www.foxfuneralhomes.com

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.