Earl N. Chestnut

Services for Earl "Dolly" N. Chestnut will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at graveside, 1:30 p.m. at Oddfellows Cemetery in Quitman, MS with Dr. Rex Yancey officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home North.

Earl, 90, passed away on December 22, 2023 at Diversacare of Quitman, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Earl was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War. Earl operated Chestnut grocery and bait shop for many years. During which time he also had a bait and fishing tackle route where he would re-supply other tackle shops.  After he stopped working the tackle route he started delivering papers for The Meridian Star.  He had one of their largest routes, he would get up every morning at 3 a.m. and deliver papers until lunch time. He did this everyday of the year except one, Christmas.  He did this for 20+ years until his family convinced him to retire.  He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed all kinds of hunting and fishing but his favorite was duck hunting and crappie fishing.  He had a great sense of humor, always quick with a smile and a laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jo Ann Shirley Chestnut; Daughters, Joan McRee (Alton), Sheri Evans Smith, and Renae Tew (Joe); Grandchildren: Ryan Evans (Sara), Colby Evans (Shelby), Kristin McRee Walker (Hugh Ellis III), Justin McRee (Stacy), Alden Tew, and Addison Tew; Great Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Walker, Emma Walker, Savannah Walker, Harper McRee, John Brantley McRee, Tate McRee, Hayes Evans, and Brinkley Evans; Sister in law, Judy Chitwood (Buddy Odom); and by numerous friends.

Pallbearers will be his son in laws and grandsons:  Alton McRee, Mike Evans, Joe Tew, Justin McRee, Ryan Evans, and Colby Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Goldie Gandy Chestnut.