William Doty Chestnut Sr., 86, of Perryville, MD, passed away peacefully on July 26th at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in September of 1938, in Rogersville, TN, to Fred Chestnut and Effie Lee (Brewer) Chestnut. Bill lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, and selfless service. Following his time in the military as an Army paratrooper, he worked as a printing press operator and truck driver before becoming employed with AMTRAK as a lineman and diesel mechanic.

Bill’s heart belonged to his wife of 64 years, Katherine (Tiller) Chestnut, and their children—Bill Jr. (Faith), Debbie (Judson Kadow), Fred “Buck” (Erica), Tina (Rob Poffenberger), Rob (Michelle), and Karen Sice—along with their grandchildren Bill Chestnut III, Athena Chestnut, Bonnie Chestnut, Jon Chestnut, Jordan Kadow, Audrey Kadow, Anne Chestnut, Camille Chestnut, Abby Poffenberger, Bobby Poffenberger, Elizabeth Poffenberger, Summer Chestnut, Brandon Sadler, Justin & Victoria Sadler, and great-grandchildren Gavin Chestnut, Liam Chestnut, Cole Chestnut, Sophie Chestnut, Rylynn Lowe, Rori Chestnut, Bryan Chestnut, Mike Chestnut, Mila Sadler, Martin Sadler, Edwin Noon and Tyler Aguilera. He enjoyed reminiscing with his surviving sibling,

Melba (Chestnut) Romanek of Elkton as well as spending time with many nieces and nephews who also held a special place in his life.

Bill served the church in various capacities throughout the years. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School, driving the church bus, serving as the grounds keeper, and leading a nursing home ministry. Most recently, he attended Praise Assembly in Newark, DE.

His love for working in his garage, mowing grass, and giving tractor rides to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought warmth and laughter to countless family moments. Bill’s legacy of kindness, faith, and family endures.

Service Times:

Visitation Sunday, Aug 3rd from 5pm – 7pm at R.T. Foard Funeral Home – 111 South Main Street, Rising Sun, MD.

Celebration of Life on Monday, Aug 4^th at 11:00 at Praise Assembly – 1421 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE (A Visitation will be held one hour Prior). A Reception will be held following the service.

Interment on Tuesday on August 5^th at 10:00 AM at Hopewell Cemetery – 1811 Hopewell Road, Port Deposit, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Convoy of Hope @ Praise Assembly. Mail contributions to: Praise Assembly – 1421 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702.