James Benny Chester: Obituary

Mr. James Benny Chester, age 66, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, January 17, 2020.

Mr. Chester was born in Lumpkin County on September 29, 1953 to the late Walter and Virgie Mayfield Chester.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Jimmy Chester and sister Alice Berchel.  Benny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community leader and friend.  He was born and raised in north Georgia and few had more knowledge or understanding of the history of the state than he.  Benny spent many hours volunteering around the community educating children and adults on the history of gold mining in north Georgia, checking on the properties of the Weekend Gold Miners Club (WEGM), being interviewed on the local radio station or newspaper, or enjoying dinner with Joyce Conner, his sweetheart of 23 years.  Benny was an avid fisherman, gold miner, outdoorsman, and history buff.  If you needed help or an education on gold prospecting or fishing, Benny was always willing to give you his time.  Benny held the office of Vice President of the WEGM and was the former GPAA State Director for Georgia.  No one was a better friend and mentor than Benny Chester.  He will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and the community.

Survivors include his life companion Joyce Conner; children and their spouses Donald Wayne and Melissa Chester, April and Jeff Michael, Andrea and Justin Wilson, and Amber Chester; sister and brother-in-law Ann and Perry Lance; brother William Chester; brother and sister-in-law Danny and Lois Gibson; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; nephew and fishing buddy Jeremy Sisk; nephew and spouse Dee and Betty Chester; and other relatives.

A celebration of Benny’s life is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday January 20, 2020 at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.

To share a memory of Benny or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega