Ervin Chastain

Ervin Chastain, age 101, of Clayton, Georgia, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025.

Born on June 10, 1923, he was the son of the late Mack and Rosie Posey Chastain. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Annie Edmonds Chastain.

Ervin was a lifelong resident of Rabun County and a beloved pillar of the community. He was deeply loved by all who knew him, especially by those who had the privilege of caring for him in his later years. Last year, he became the oldest member of Battle Branch Baptist Church, a milestone that brought him great joy. Ervin retired from the Warwoman Recycling Center at the remarkable age of 92. He had a lifelong passion for honey bees and found great fulfillment in teaching others the art of honey-making, hoping to preserve the tradition for generations to come. Above all, Ervin cherished his family. When his children were young, they traveled together as a family across many states as a gospel singing group, sharing their faith and love for music wherever they went.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary Ethel “Charlie” Gragg and her husband Jerry, and Laura Chastain; two grandsons, Danny Gragg (Paula) and Cohen Boyter; great-grandchildren, Kendra Henderson (Brent Lee), Ashleigh Wilson (Tyler), and Whitney Gragg; great-great-grandchildren, Mason Henderson, Austin Henderson, Quinton Wilson, and Raelyn Wilson; sister-in-law, Marie Edmonds the wife of the late Jesse Edmonds; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, Leroy, Lonnie, Mark, Carl, Wayman, Leonard and Burley Chastain; and two sisters, Mary Queen and Christine Chastain.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Battle Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Gravely and Rev. Cale Stancil officiating. Interment will follow at Taylors Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 485, Rabun Gap, GA 30568, in c/o Ervin Chastain.

Hunter Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ervin Chastain.