Obituary of Roy Lee Chestnut

Dr. Roy L. Chestnut
Loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Faithful servant of God.

Dr. Roy L. Chestnut, 85, of Pensacola, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, May 5, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Roy was born on December 3, 1937 in St. Charles, Virginia to Lee and Middie(Long) Chestnut. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served 4 years. He married Rella Reeder on December 21, 1958. Together they surrendered into full time ministry and moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee where he attended Tennessee Temple University. After he graduated he was called to pastor the Valley Baptist Church in Oswego, Illinois where he pastored for 32 years. He also served as vice president of the Hoosier Hills Baptist Camp. In 1997 he founded the Heartland Baptist Missions and in 2002 he resigned from the Valley Baptist Church and surrendered to the mission field of Romania where they served for 15 years. He had a heart for missions and his life reflected that.

He is proceeded in death by his precious wife Rella, his parents Lee and Middie Chestnut, and his great grandson Remi Whitehurst.

He is survived by his three children Rebecca (Bill) Freeman, Gregory (Tammy) Chestnut, Michael (Amber) Chestnut. His 13 grandchildren Jamie Whitehurst, Wesley (Leila) Carey, Brooke (Tim) Brantl, Nathan Chestnut, Grace Chestnut, Mary Squire, Holly (Jacob) Jarecki, John Smith, and Dillan Chestnut, Billy Freeman, Aaron (Callie) Freeman, Jason Freeman, and Ashley Freeman. His 11 great grandchildren Aedon Brantl, Amber Whitehurst, Ian Carey, Rory Brantl, Sophia Carey, Ezekial Carey, Frankie Brantl, Wyldr Brantl, Delilah Jarecki, Liam Carey, and Mercury Brantl. His brothers and sisters, Stella (Paul) Huffman, Earl (Ella) Chestnut, Tommy (Barb) Chestnut, Ben (Josie) Chestnut, John (Bobbie) Chestnut, and Ruth Jones. As well as many nieces and nephews and those he loved at the Village of Hope orphanage in Romania.

A viewing will be held from 5-9pm on Thursday, May 11, 2023 and funeral services will be held from 3-5pm on Friday, May 12, 2023. All services will be held at the Smyrna Baptist Church at 7000 N. Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32505