Thomas Elmore Chestnutt Sr.'s Obituary
Born December 10, 1940, and passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, Thomas lived a full and remarkable life devoted to family, service, and community.
He was born as the youngest of four to Bessie Mae and James Chestnutt and grew up alongside his siblings James Evert, Willie Harvey, and Eve Mae. From a young age, he faced many hardships. During high school, he became the first in his family to graduate, doing so while mourning the loss of his mother, followed shortly thereafter by the passing of his brother Willie Harvey. The qualities that guided him throughout his life were discipline, courage, and community.
He proudly served in the U.S. military from 1959 to 1979, including time in both the Marines and the Army, with service spanning Korea and Vietnam. From Okinawa, Japan, where he practiced karate and boxing in the military, to Germany, where he met the love of his life, Mechthild, his career took him around the world. They married in 1969 and welcomed their son, Thomas, in Bavaria in 1973.
After retiring from 21 years of honorable service, the family settled in the Tampa area, where he studied HVAC and founded his own company. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service, continuing his lifelong habit of hard work and dedication.
A man with many interests. His biggest individual skill was that he could fix or build just about anything. Additionally, he earned drag racing trophies and restored countless cars—from VW buses and Beetles to his cherished 1973 Camaro, and loved playing and watching soccer. The soccer community became a second family to him, adding to a lifetime of friendships built on camaraderie and kindness. Friends and family will remember his mechanical skill, his willingness to help others, and his generous spirit.
In April 2022, his smile shone brightest when he met his newborn grandson.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mechthild, his son Thomas, grandson Pace, and his extended family in both the U.S. and Germany. His memory will live on through the stories, laughter, and craftsmanship he shared with everyone around him.
A celebration of his life will be held in Tampa, and he will be laid to rest alongside his siblings and parents in North Carolina with military honors.
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