Terry Nelson Chesnut, 74, died on December 28, 2022, in Decatur, Alabama. Terry was born to Carl and Bertha (Friedly) Chesnut on July 8, 1948, and lived the majority of his life in the Rockford, IL area. He graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1966, and then attended Northern Illinois University for several semesters before a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, during which time he spent a few months in the San Francisco area. He finished his education later in life remotely through Liberty University. Terry was married to Patricia Lawson (now Garrison) from 1971-1979. The couple had three children: Jo, Keith, and Molly. He married Susan Snow in 1980. Together, he and Susan raised one son, Matthew, and one granddaughter, Christina “Mary,” for the majority of her young life.
For several years, Terry worked as a machinist at Rockford Products, then at Specialty Screw in Rockford, IL. He also spent many years as a truck driver, both as an independent contractor with son Matthew at Chesnut and Son, and at Upstaging, Inc., where he enjoyed traveling around the United States. During that time, he developed a strong affection for the American South. He eventually retired to northern Alabama with his devoted girlfriend of ten years, Stephanie. Though their time together in Alabama was short, he loved it there.
Terry enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Blackhawks, and arguing endlessly with his mother in favor of the White Sox versus the Cubs. He enjoyed tending his sizable backyard garden over the years, and he often found strength, peace, and solace in the Catholic church. He was a history buff, an avid reader, and an amateur woodworker. He loved ice cream, Celtic music, and corny jokes. He loved learning about the Civil War, WWII, his personal ancestry, Irish poets, and the successes of his children and grandchildren, among many other things.
The family is exceptionally grateful for the selflessness and compassion of Stephanie when Dad’s health began to fail so rapidly. She was by his side every day until the very end, comforting him, caring for him, advocating for him, and making sure he knew that he was loved.
Terry is preceded in death by his father, Carl, and his wife of thirty years, Susan. He is survived by his girlfriend, Stephanie Barber, of Hartselle, AL; his mother, Bertha Chesnut of Davis Junction, IL; his four children, Jo (Larry “Ben”) Bittinger of Polo, IL, Keith (Katie) Chesnut of Polo, IL, Molly Sides of Rockford, IL, and Matthew Chesnut of Rockford, IL; sister, Denise Falk of Roscoe, IL. grandchildren Hayden and Garrett Bittinger, Cole and Knox Chesnut, and Raine and Ila Sides, Christina “Mary” and Nicholas Chesnut; nieces Carolyn (Lawrence) Pairitz of Castle Rock, CO, and Heidi (Chris) Williamson of Madison, WI; several great nieces and nephews, many extended family members, and his lifelong friend, Keith Grennan.
A graveside service for interment of ashes in Illinois will be planned at a later date.
