Chester Ray Crowder

Chester Ray Crowder, age 96, of Chickamauga, Georgia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Born in Kensington, Georgia, to the late Chester Lee Crowder and Bessie Fitts Crowder, Ray was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga and a devoted member of Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church. His life was a testimony of faith, service, and steadfast love for his family and community. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he continued to exemplify dedication and leadership in all areas of his life. A 1948 graduate of Gordon Lee Memorial High School, Ray excelled in both football and baseball, demonstrating early on the determination and team spirit that would characterize his life. Alongside his brother, the late Malcolm Crowder, Ray co-owned and operated Crowder Supply in Chickamauga, faithfully serving customers and building lasting relationships throughout the community. His commitment to public service was extraordinary. For more than 50 years, Ray devoted himself to the City of Chickamauga as Fire Chief, School Board Member, City Councilman, and Mayor. His steady leadership and heart for service left a lasting mark on the city he dearly loved. He was an avid Atlanta Braves Fan, as well as, a member of the American Legion and faithfully served on the Gordon Lee Alumni Association Board. In 1999, Ray was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus for Community and Civic Accomplishment—an award that reflected his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. Above all, Ray was a loving and devoted family man. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Jo Mullis Crowder; his sister, Mattie Lowe Taylor; and his brother, Malcolm Crowder. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith to be cherished by his daughters, Connie Capehart and Karen Hicks; his sister-in-law, Juanita Crowder; his grandchildren, Britt (Clayton) Jones, Kara (Jeremy) Van Brunt, and Beth (Drew) Elliott; his great-grandchildren, Betsy Allen, Emery Van Brunt, Ellie Van Brunt, and Cameran Elliott; and several nieces and nephews. Ray will be remembered as a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering faith—a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Though he has entered his eternal rest, his legacy of service, kindness, and Christian devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Zach Fitzpatrick officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church Fellowship Hall Fund. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home – J. Avery Bryan Chapel.

Chester Ray Crowder

May 26, 1929 - February 15, 2026