Edmond Chester Brunson Jr.'s Obituary
Edmond Chester Brunson Jr. passed away peacefully on July 20,2025 at the age of 100. He was born on August 31, 1924, in Union City, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Chester and Lois Brunson.
He graduated from Union City High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He attended Murray State until he was called into active duty in WW II. He attained the rank of first lieutenant in the United States Air Force (Army Air Corps). He served as a bombardier in the B 17’s. He then continued to serve in the reserves after active duty.
After the war, he attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville where he pursued his studies in business. He was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and he remained a Vol fan for life!
In 1948, he married his beloved wife, Betsy, from Fulton, Kentucky. In 1962, his career led him to Germantown, Tennessee where he established Chester Brunson Glass Company where he worked until his retirement in 2005.
Faith, friends and family were the three most important things in his life. He never missed an opportunity to talk about each of them.
He was a long-time member of Germantown Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on other committees. He was a witness for Christ in every aspect of his life. Anyone that ever met him knew that there was something different about him. He embodied the joy of the Lord in his daily walk. He lived with the fruits of the spirit that could only come from the Lord.
Chester was very active in civic organizations, including Sertoma and Kiwanis Clubs. He
was an avid golfer and long-time member of Windyke Country Club where he created many lasting friendships. He was a founding member of the Over-The-Hill-Gang and celebrated several hole-in-ones! Chester and Betsy were well known throughout the mid-south for their prowess in couples’ golf tournaments. After retirement, he joined the Germantown Athletic Center Coffee Club, where he enjoyed the daily conversations and fellowship at the “table of knowledge.” Just weeks before his passing, Chester could be heard laughing and telling tales to his buddies. He brought wisdom and laughter to everyone he was around.
His greatest joy in life was his family. Those he loved most called him Diddy. He was so proud of his family. He loved his wife dearly and showed us all an example of unconditional love. He loved his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart. He remained active in their activities and was proud of all their accomplishments until the day he died. His last couple of days, when his body was weak and tired, he still was intentional about sharing his faith and affirming every one of his love for each one of them. He reminded us that he had been blessed by the Lord far beyond what he could have ever imagined. In the final hours, with his family surrounding him, hymns of glorious praise could be heard from his room as the family sang to him the promises of the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Betsy and his brother, Bob Brunson.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy Carey (Alan), his grandchildren Alan Carey Jr.(Debbie), Betsy MaKinster (Dean), Lisa Campbell (James) and his great-grandchildren, Madison and Taylor Carey, Gracie, Neely, Miller and Hudson MaKinster, Caroline and Dorothy Campbell.
We will never forget his whistling, radiant smile, and unconditional love. We will all choose to live like Diddy, who made everyone feel special.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Baptist Rehabilitation Center and Baptist Reynolds Hospice House for the warmth and care provided to him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Germantown Baptist Church, St. Jude, or Memphis Union Mission.
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