Chester Leonard Statham of Clinton, MS passed away Saturday, January 9th, 2021 at the age of 84. Chester was born in the Holmesville Community near McComb, MS. He graduated from Magnolia High School and attended Southwest Junior College. He went on to earn a Bachelors degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Chester became a coach and school teacher in Daphne, Al where he met and married the love of his life Ann Morris. He later took a job with the Internal Revenue Service which lead him and his family to Clinton, MS where he lived just shy of 50 years. Before retirement he also worked in Insurance and Real estate. As a retiree Chester took one of the most rewarding jobs of his life, working for a private Ambulance service. He transported premature babies from small Mississippi towns to the University of MS Medical Center and also took disabled Veterans to Dr's appointments at the VA hospital. A perfect fit for a man with such a kind compassionate heart. Chester served in the National Guard and was a Mason. As a longtime member of St Johns United Methodist Church of Clinton, Chester taught Sunday school and served on several committees.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents George Alton and Mattie Sandifer Statham, brother R.Y. "Buck" Statham. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Ann Morris Statham, son Jay Statham (Sandi), daughters Pam Statham Carmean(Allan), and Carol Ann Statham Flynt (Greg). Chester had special relationships with many people through the years. He was Papa to Kim Dearing Thomason (Paige) for over 40 years. Chester was a proud Pawpaw to his Nine Grandchildren, and Five Great-grandchildren. His Sister in laws are Bobbie Jean Statham and Helen Morris Maradik (Jerome). He was loved by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation Sunday, January 17th at 1:00pm with a memorial following at 3:00pm at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton.

The family suggest that memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude or Shriners Hospitals for children.