" Ssgt. Chestnut was my senior drill instructor. He will always be in my memories. Rest in Peace. "
In loving memory of
Melvin O'Neal Chestnut
May 25, 1960 - February 24, 2015
May 25, 1960 - February 24, 2015 Melvin O'Neal Chestnut was born on May 25, 1960 in Sumter, South Carolina. He was the eighth of ten children born to Mable and Joseph Chestnut, Sr. Melvin attended Sumter public schools graduating from Maywood High School in 1978. He also enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 16th of that same year, attending recruit training at Paris Island South Carolina where he proved to be a unique individual with amazing commitment and focus. Melvin earned several medals for his service including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and ten Good Conduct Medals. He officially retired as Sergeant Major on June 30, 2008 from the United States Marine Corps with thirty years of honorable service to God, Country, Corps and Family. While serving a tour in San Diego, California he came to the rescue of a young lady in distress. He met the woman he would fall in love with, later marry, and spend his life with. Melvin loved her big pretty eyes and Beverly loved his big captivating smile. After dating and getting to know each other, he married Beverly Freeman in a beautiful religious ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, surrounded by family and friends. Melvin became an active member of the New Creation Church serving God in various ministries of his church including Usher, Armor Bearer, and Men Ministry (Brotherhood). As a member of the Montford Point Marine Association Inc. Chapter #12 of San Diego, he performed many speaking engagements on their behalf. He was a member of the Marine Corps League San Diego Bulldog Detachment #835 and The Drill Instructor Association. His strong love for family and friends was reflected in the role he played in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Uncle Bo/Uncle Melvin, as he was affectionately known, was a mentor, choreographer, advisor, counselor, friend, role model and an inspiration to follow in his military career footsteps. Friendship took on a new meaning if you were fortunate enough to have Melvin (NUT) as a friend. His friendship was unconditional. Melvin enjoyed his yearly travel to Sumter for Family and Class reunions. He was known for his Memorial Day cookout everyone was welcome; family, neighbors, co-workers, old and new friends. If you came as a guest you left as a friend of the Chestnut family. Preceding Melvin in life's departure are his parents Mable and Joseph Chestnut, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and devoted wife Beverly and two exceptional sons, Melvin II and Brodric; nine siblings and their spouses; sisters Mildred, Helen, Mary, Rebecca, Thomasena, and Dalphine, brothers Joseph, Jr., Walter, and Alfonso; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, love ones, caring in-laws, classmates and friends.
Tributes
"Every single day since he gave me his challenge coin, it hasn?t left my side. I deployed with it, I kept it in my pocket, it?s an everyday reminder from Melvin to do the right thing and to also push myself. Energy is neither created nor destroyed and I believe his soul is continuing his service"
"I was his Corpsman at naval hospital balboa at the last few weeks of his life, and everyday he inspired me to believe in myself and motivated me in spite of his situation. Even in his last days he continued to serve his military family and mentored me greatly. A great leader and a even greater human being. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Melvin! You are greatly missed. Former HM3 FMF Aasted. "
"We love you and truly missed you. Love MILLIE LAGRANT from Sumter, South Carolina "
"On 3/5/16 your sister Thomasena celebrated her 60th birthday. You were greatly missed"
"Melvin you are truly missed. Our family will never be complete again but it will be closer than ever because of you. Your passing has giving us a whole new prospective on life and appreciating / valuing every moment. Continue your rest brother!"
"I have been looking for My Senior DI, for years. I finally found him. It is with a heavy heat that I say farewell. Senior Drill Instructor SSGT. Chestnut, best in the company and best in the Corps!!!!"
"My heart is really heavy right now...just learn of his death.. I known Melvin over 20 years..my prayers go out to his wife and sons..rip my friend"
"Dear Melvin My lifelong friend, I have known you all of my life. From the time I met you at what, 15 or 16, I thought you were a good human being. You planned your life and walked it out day by day before your family and friends. It was so alluring, that it inspired a host of nieces and nephews to pursue the same. What a blessing you were and are to this world. Joseph and Mary would have been extremely proud to know the man that unfolded from their little "Bo". It has always been difficult saying goodbye or goodnight. Some great thinker said that this life is but a parentheses in time as we journey from birth to eternity and we must love and cultivate as much joy as humanly possible. Hearts across the country are still heavy at your leaving so quickly. You've left a trail of joy that many will fine. May you rest in peace until we one day can speak you name from the other side of our tears and smile. You will always have a special place in my heart..."Duck McBride""