Joseph Ray Chester, of Danese, died peacefully Sunday, December 25, 2022, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

Born July 25, 1935, in Herndon, he was the son of the late John Chester & Alice Graham Chester.

Ray was a loving father, husband and family man. He loved the outdoors, going hunting, collecting knives, guns and going to the flea markets. Ray had a great knowledge of guns, going to gun shows and trading guns with his buddies. He loved to watch "Gunsmoke" and "Judge Judy."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his Stepmother Nettie, first wife Phyllis Brown Chester, daughter Katherine Chester Conley, son-in-law, Roger Conley, daughter-in-law, Eunice Chester, brother Kermit Lusk, four sisters, Ethel, Tressie, Stella & Lakie.

Those left to cherish his memory, his wife Rachel Shrewsbury Chester, Two children, Reverend Richard Chester & wife Brenda, Donald Ray Chester & wife Connie; four grandchildren, Missy, Ricki Lynn, Donald Ray Jr., & Tracy; and a host of great grandchildren, lots of nieces, nephews and camping friends.

The family has honored Ray's wishes; he had been cremated and a memorial service will be held later in Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley.


The Chester family wishes to thank Hospice of Southern WV, in Beckley, for all the loving care of Ray. The five girls that came five days a week, took excellent care of him along with the volunteers with the Hot Meals Program from Fayette County.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The Chester Family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.