Michael Willis Chester, 56, of Dawsonville, died Aug. 2, 2016.

Born June 5, 1960 to the late Clayton and Norma Lee Chester, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

For the past 35 years, Michael has been employed by Windstream.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, the beach and family time at their pool.

A devoted husband, he also loved spending time with his sons, his brothers and his church family. Michael was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as song leader and on the cemetery committee.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Delaine G. Chester of Dawsonville; sons, Blyth Michael Chester, Camron Laine Chester, both of Dawsonville; sister and brother-in-law, Janie and Jerry Brown of Dawsonville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Annie Sue Chester, Keith and Tammy Chester, all of Dawsonville, Johnny and Snooky Chester of Dahlonega; mother-in-law, Connie Wright of Dahlonega; brother-in-law, Matthew Wright of Cumming; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at New Hope Baptist Church with the Revs. Jimmy Chester, Casey Davis and Mike Byess officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.