Otis Chesson Jr.

SGT Otis Chesson Jr. (Retired), 86, of Fayetteville, NC died Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Otis was born in Mackeys, North Carolina (Washington County) on March 13, 1936 to the late Otis Chesson Sr. and Mary Lee Lucas. He was raised in a home full of cousins by the late Rev. Hyman Lucas, Minister of Bethel Disciple Church of Christ. Only two of these cousins remain Lillie Allen and Ruth King-Smith. During this time Otis was known as Valon Earl Lucas. He was full of life and enjoyed doing small construction projects and gardening. His memories always included his best chums, Russell, Lloyd and Joseph. At the young age of fourteen, he drove a school bus, after obtaining his driver’s license, and later graduated from Washington County Union High School.

SGT Chesson joined the United States Army in July, 1956. He served with the utmost distinction first as a truck master and later as a Military Policeman. During his enlistment he deployed multiple times to both Korea and Vietnam earning the following awards and decorations: Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (8 Campaigns), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Driver Badge w DVR Bar, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Bronze Star Medal. After retirement he continued to serve the community as a Police Officer and later as a Security Guard.

Otis is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Janistene Chesson, of the home; his son Steven Bennett, of Roper, NC; his step son, Zachary Williams, of Richmond, CA; his daughter, Tiewonna Marizette, of Oakland, CA; his brother, Kelvin Chesson, of Richmond, VA; his sisters, Christine Webb, of Herndon, VA, Sharon Battle, of Greenville, NC, and Carolyn Chesson, of Elizabeth City, NC; his uncle, Shelton Chesson; of Plymouth, NC; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.

A Funeral Service will be conducted 10:30 AM Tuesday, June21, 2022 at LaFayette Funeral Home located at 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. An Army Chaplain will officiate the service.

Burial with Full Military Honors will be conducted following the service at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd. Fort Bragg, NC 28310.