After 80 years of a life defined by a devotion to family and friends, an award-winning sales career, and a dedication to sharp sports jackets, Ferral W. Chessher has joined his Lord in heaven, carried by faith and love.
He was born on August 27, 1940 in Livingston, Texas. He graduated from Livingston High School, where he played coronet in the band, sung in a doo-wop trio with friends, and was awarded in 1958 the title of “Mr. Livingston High School.”
After high school, Ferral joined his father’s oil-field construction company Chessher & Sutton based in Village Mills, where he had worked since he was a boy. A man of ambition and big ideas, he expanded his father’s business to Beaumont, creating a thriving second location for the company and increasing profits notably. In the last decades of his life, he transitioned his talent as a salesman and his love of cars (in particular Lincoln Continentals) to Ford Motor Company. He worked at several dealerships in the area and earned many awards for his sales achievements.
Known for his dapper style, his sense of humor, and his propensity to sing loudly to the radio when Elvis, the Big Bopper, or Hank Williams came on, Ferral made friends easily. He was generous with his time and money, willing to listen and always willing to help anyone who reached out. He was an enthusiastic champion of his children and his granddaughter, and they appreciated his support, counsel, and love.
Ferral is predeceased by his twin brother Gerral and brother Richard; his mother and father, Verna and Weaver; and his son Jason. He is survived by his brother Ronnie; his son Michael; his daughter Melissa; his granddaughter Emily (Sam); and his nephew Reagan (Catherine). His children thank those who showed him great kindness in his last years: Earlene and Robert Allison, Barbara Dover, and Brenda Hadnot.
No formal services will be conducted per Ferral’s wishes. His children hope everyone who knew him will celebrate his life in their own way (maybe with a few good stories over a great meal). His family will celebrate his life in a memorial ceremony this summer.
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