Ottis Homer Chestnut Jr

August 20, 1951 - June 14, 2022
Ottis Homer Chestnut Jr

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Ottis “Homer” Chestnut Jr. 70, of Wilmington passed on Tuesday June 14, 2022. He was born on August 20, 1951 to the late Ottis Homer “Pappy” Chestnut and Mary Allene “Granny” Chestnut. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Peggy Ann Chestnut.

Upon graduation from New Hanover High School, Homer settled into a 42-year career with DuPont/DAX where he shared his love of sports and the surrounding ocean with friends and co-workers. As a licensed captain, Homer enjoyed navigating the local waters in search of prize-winning fish, as well as sharing his oceanic knowledge through dive charters. Sports were always a joy to Homer, whether he was participating, coaching, or simply watching on TV. His spirit of adventure took him traveling to interesting places, sometimes on a whim, and he continued to seek interesting things through the thrill of the hunt on antique and collection websites. He enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and family through Facebook and his community through the daily newspaper. While Homer was a seeker of fun and interesting activities, his heart belonged to his family, the love he carried for his family was so great, you could see it in his eyes when he spoke of or looked at them. The brightness of Homer’s spirit will be missed, but his legacy will carry on through the reciprocated love of his family. We will never let his light fade.

He was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Debbie Chestnut, children Wendy Knox (Joe), Ottis “Duff” Chestnut (Jaime); brother Gary Chestnut, sister Wanda Snow (Charles), grandchildren, Gage Chestnut (Angel), Alex Canaday, Tyrzah Hamby, Sidney Chestnut, Merritt Chestnut, Rachel Lysne (Mikkel), Joseph Knox (Journey), Jesse Knox and seven great grandchildren.

The family will receive guests from 11:00 to 11:30am on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Wilmington Chapel. A celebration of Homer’s life will begin at 11:30am. There will be a time of sharing, the family ask you bring your favorite story of Homer.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saving Dogs 4 Betty’s Sake in honor of Homer, by clicking here.


Celebration of Life

Saturday, June 25, 2022
11:00 AM

Wilmington Funeral Chapel - Directions
1535 South 41st Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-791-9099

Tribute Wall

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  • June 22, 2022
    Becky Hayes says:
    Gary, so sorry for the loss of your brother. I will be thinking of you and your family in the days to come.

  • June 21, 2022
    Arlene Acton says:
    Debbie my heart goes out for you all. I am so sorry to hear about Homer. Please know you are loved and thought of always. My prayers and thoughts are with you all that you get through this most difficult time. Your friends are here for you with loving arms opened.

  • June 21, 2022
    Dawn Luce says:
    Debbie when I saw that Homer had passed. My heart broke for you. We have had some great times together in the 25 or so years we have been friends. Homer was a terrific husband, father and friend. He always made me laugh with his jokes and stories he loved to tell. The trips we took and evening’s we spent together. I will miss him but I will never forget him!!

  • June 21, 2022
    Margie krug says:
    Debbie, I am so sorry to hear. My deepest sympathy and thoughts

  • June 21, 2022
    Beverly Hovatter says:
    Debbie I was so sad when I saw where Homer had passed away. My prayers are with you and the family.