Ray Chesson
January 19, 1995 - October 15, 2021
The Honorable Ray Sanford Chesson, 66, of Hamshire, died Friday, October 15, 2021. He was born January 19, 1955, in Winshire, Texas, to Roy Travis, Sr. “Bo” and Onella Chesson.
It’s been said that all a man really has when he pillows his head at night is his honor, integrity and character. Ray’s life reflected a life of excellent character, undeniable honor and solid integrity. When Ray stepped into a room, his presence welcomed others. There were no strangers. You felt cared for, loved, and valued. His love for justice and truth was balanced with his desire to help others, especially young people, find their way in this world. Many times, people met Judge under less than desirable circumstances, but he never made you feel like you were an inconvenience. He wanted the best for you. He wanted to see you succeed. He wanted to cheer you on.
His fatherhood spanned past Shane and Justin. He has adopted children all over Southeast Texas and beyond – men and women who have gained from his wisdom, his counsel and sometimes his justice. As a husband and father, he was faithful. His wife – his best friend. His boys – his pride and joy. His grandchildren – the light of his life. These were his trophies. These were the golden and bright spots in every day of his life. His name will live forever in many of our hearts.
After serving his country in the United States Air Force, he began his commitment to his community by becoming the president of the Hamshire Volunteer Fire department, later serving many years as the Fire Chief. He was a driving force in establishing and building the local EMS service, dedicating 26 years as a medic. He devoted over 24 years of his life as Justice of the Peace for Precinct Four of Jefferson County, where he served with honor and compassion. His passion and commitment to helping others has endeared him to everyone who knew him.
Additionally, he served as Co-Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Commission and was a member of the Child Fatality Death Review Team for the Garth House. He served many years at the Texas Rice Festival, including Board of Directors, and 2002 as President. Ray worked with Strategic Petroleum Reserve Environmental Review Team and Board of Directors at the Winnie Medical Center and Arboretum. He was also a Board Member for the Hamshire Fannett Education Foundation, and instrumental in establishing Hamshire Fannett Little Dribblers.
Ray is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Kathy Chesson; sons, Shane Chesson and his wife, Aimee and Justin Ray Chesson and his wife, Courtney; grandchildren, Madison, Braxton Ray, and Austyn; brothers, Roy Travis Chesson, Jr. and his wife, Fonda, of Bandera; Jay Chesson and his wife, Jan, of Hamshire; and John Chesson and his wife, Beverly, of Hamshire; sister, Carla Woodyard and her husband, Matt, of Hamshire; and many nieces and nephews.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Travis “Bo” and Onella Chesson; and grandson, Trevor Chesson.
His passion and commitment to helping others has endeared him to everyone who knew him. Throughout all of the endless hours of dedication to his community, he has always remained a devoted husband, a loving father and an adoring pawpaw.
Memorial contributions for Mr. Chesson may be made to Trevor Lee Chesson Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 186, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 153, Hamshire, Texas 77622.
A gathering of Mr. Chesson’s family and friends will be from 5 tol 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 20, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Hwy 124, Hamshire, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Shuttle service for overflow parking will be offered beginning at 4:30 pm Wednesday at the north parking lot of Hamshire-Fannett High School. His funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 21 at First Baptist Church, with his interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.