Dennis Chestnut

In Loving Memory of Dennis Harold Chestnut

Dennis Harold Chestnut, son of the late Gaston Leroy Chestnut and Ruth Carolyn Livingston, was born on December 18, 1961 in Conway Hospital, Conway, SC. He departed this life on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC. He was affectionately known as “Big Cheese” and was a 1980 graduate at North Myrtle High School, Little River, SC. He was an honor student and an all-star athlete, basketball being his first love and preferred sport. He was inducted in the North Myrtle Beach Hall of Fame for the 1977 Boys Track Team. After graduation from NMB High, he furthered his education at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, where he continued playing basketball. His last place of employment was with North Beach Plantation. Dennis also served in the United States Air Force. At an early age, he accepted Christ in his life and joined the Chesterfield Missionary Baptist Church, Longs, SC. In his final years, he served at Pleasant Meadow Missionary Baptist Church as an Usher, where he took pride and dedication in welcoming everyone that entered the House of the Lord with a warm and calming smile. When his health limited his travel, he attended Full Gospel Community Church, Longs, SC, pastor Solon Chestnut. “Big Cheese” as he was affectionately known for his big personality and wittiness. Some say before Google Inc., he was a walking encyclopedia, knowing a little bit of everything. He wasn’t an official meteorologist, but he certainly kept up with the weather, no matter where. He was an avid music lover; you could always catch “Big Cheese” under the Magnolia tree in his car listening to a tune. Music spoke to his soul, lifting him in hard times and made the good times even sweeter. Dennis enjoyed watching cartoons; Andy Griffin and the 1st 48 were in his rotation, but not in that order. In his early years, he would rush home to watch the earlier episode of Jeopardy, remembering all the answers only to watch the reruns that evening with his brothers, shocking them that he knew all the answers. As a father, Dennis was very supportive of his daughters. He was always there, front and center and sometimes from the sidelines, to cheer them on. Though divorced, Dennis and Brenda (Mae) had a special bond and truly cared for one another until the end. Dennis was a humble soul who never sought the spotlight, but always made a lasting impact in the lives of all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaston and Ruth; two brothers, Grover and Tim Chestnut; and granddaughter, CaMari Chestnut. He leaves to cherish his loving memories. Three daughters; Jevante (Kito) Okunola, Palmyra, NJ; Shavona Chestnut, Conway, SC; Catilla (Damond) Wynn, Conway, SC. Six grandchildren; Shania, Desta, Zindzi, Brendan, Kito II, Mozel. Three sisters; Annette Felton, Hertford, NC; Theora M.(Raeford) Chestnut and Margo D. Chestnut, both Longs, SC. Three brothers; Anthony (Delores) Chestnut, Patterson, NJ; Joe C. (Larissa) Chestnut, Conway, SC; Ellis B. (Patricia) Chestnut, Little River, SC; nephew, Rupert Chestnut, Longs, SC, reared in the home. One aunt, five uncles. While he cherished all his nieces and nephews, he shared a special bond with Lytisha, Toledashea (Theontre), Antoinette and Wescott. Host of cousins and special friends; Willis Robinson, Randy Woods, and Tony Gore. Dennis shared a deep and unbreakable bond with his sister Theora, who cared for him through his illnesses. We say “Thank you and we love you dearly for caring for our Dad!”

The family will be accepting visitors beginning Tuesday at the family home, located at 8449 Highway 90, Longs, SC. Visitation hours will be from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The Viewing will be held Thursday July 3,2025 at Latimer's Funeral Home 2-6PM

The Funeral will be held Friday, July 4, 2025 at Mt. Calvary # 2 MBC 1PM

Burial will follow in the Chesterfield MBC Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.