James Ray Chestnutt, 74, has gone to be with his Heavenly Father on May 19, 2012. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Marines. He later went on to work and retire from the Civil Service as an estimator and planner. After his retirement he worked as a photographer. He was a member of Black Creek Baptist Church and was a former member for 45 years at Bayside Baptist of Virginia Beach.

James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra C. Chestnutt; daughter, Michelle Chestnutt Gray and husband, Fred; sons, Michael James Chesnutt and wife, Jennifer, Ronald Lee Chestnutt and fiancé, Victoria; 5 grandchildren, Dylan, Katlyn, Elizabeth, Lee, and Roman; brothers, David Chestnutt, Jr. and wife, Jean, Fred Chestnutt, Robert Chestnutt and wife, Marianna, Thomas Chesnutt and wife, Carol; numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA with Pastor Greg Kitts officiating. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home and other times at the residence. Burial with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veteran Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern VA Chapter, 6350 Center Dr., Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502 or the Black Creek Baptist Church Building, 34163 Vicksville Rd., Franklin, VA 23851. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank all their family, friends, and the staff of Southampton Memorial Hospice who cared for Jim with much love.