David Lee Chesnutt

David Lee Chesnutt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Cleon Chesnutt and Winnie Chesnutt McCarrell;his brothers, William Sterling "Bill" Chesnutt and Thomas Chesnutt; and his son-in-law, Phillip Arrisola.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice Curby Chesnutt; his daughter, Amy Arrisola; his son, Dustin Chesnutt; his grandchildren, Ryan (Sean) Torres, Myranda (John) Alcala, Mattison Arrisola and her boyfriend, Daryn Schultz, and Cody Arrisola; his great-grandson, Jaxon Briggs Hensley; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

David married Janice Curby on September 27, 1972, in Beeville, Texas, after a two-month courtship that grew into more than five decades of love and partnership.

 He began his career in law enforcement at just 20 years old, becoming one of the youngest deputy sheriffs in Texas. He later served as a game warden in Uvalde before continuing his public service as an assistant investigator with the Bee County Sheriff's Department, Bee County Constable for Precinct #3, and Bee County Commissioner for Precinct #2. After his years in public service, David worked for Staples Oilfield Supply and Allen Taylor Construction. Later in life, he became self-employed as a fence and road construction contractor and worked as a gauger.

 David never met a stranger. If you spent more than a few minutes with him, chances were you would hear a story told with such vivid detail that you felt as though you had lived it alongside him. His memory was remarkable, recalling names, places, and events from decades ago with incredible precision. Whether every detail was exactly as remembered hardly mattered because he had a gift for bringing people into the moment.

You never had to wonder what David was thinking because he spoke his mind honestly. He loved fiercely, stood by the people he cared about, and made sure his family always knew they were loved.

He especially cherished time with his children and grandchildren, faithfully attending their sporting events and celebrating every accomplishment. Baseball held a special place in his heart, and his talent for the game even carried him to the semi-professional leagues.

While David was one of the toughest men many people ever knew, a thunderstorm was another story entirely. Somehow, he could sense a storm long before anyone else, even when the sky was still bright blue. He would be ready to outrun it or head straight for the storm cellar. Once everyone was safely inside, he would reassure them they only needed to stay "five more minutes," even if the storm had passed an hour before. It became one of the many stories his family laughed about and will cherish forever.

 David's legacy is one of love, strength, laughter, unforgettable stories, and unwavering devotion to his family. His life touched countless people, and his memory will continue to live on in every story shared around a table, every baseball game watched, and every family gathering where his name is spoken with love.

 Pallbearers will be Cody Arrisola, Sean Torres, John Alcala, Daryn Schultz, Wayne Rabe, and Clay Rabe.

Junior Pallbearer will be Jaxon Briggs Hensley.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Rabe, Hilario Chapa, Morgan O'Brien, Jim Fox, Ellis Ray McKinney, and Tommy Hensley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas.