Mr. Samuel Ray Chastain, age 73, of Resaca, Georgia, departed this life Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Samuel was born December 3, 1952, in Trion, Georgia, a son of the late Arvil Beecher and Thelma Louise Mann Chastain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Melinda Owensby; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Reverend Jerry Chastain, Sidney and Bobbie Chastain, and David and Betty Chastain. He is now reunited with his beloved parents, brothers, and sisters who went before him.

Samuel was raised in Dalton, Georgia, and made his home in Resaca, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law. A proud patriot, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1971, serving his country honorably in Germany from 1972 until 1973. Following his active duty, he continued his service in the National Guard in Dalton until his retirement in 1988. Samuel carried great pride in his military service throughout his life.

He was employed by Shaw Industries as a truck driver for over twenty-five years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

Samuel truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and could strike up a friendship with anyone he met. Known for his kind and generous spirit, he was a good man with a heart that reached out to others, always willing to lend a helping hand. His life was a reflection of his Christian faith, and he was a devoted member of Gethsemane Baptist Church.

He was also a proud and active member of the Dalton American Legion Post #112 Honor Guard, where he faithfully served alongside fellow veterans, providing military honors and comfort to countless grieving families. His service there was a testament to both his respect for his fellow servicemen and his compassion for others.

Above all, Samuel loved his family dearly. He treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ann Denise and Eddie Dean Thurman; son and daughter-in-law, Sammy Dewayne and Stephanie Deann Chastain, all of Resaca, GA; grandchildren and their spouses, Charles Alan and Ellen Bell, Matthew Gabriel and Jasmine Bell, Ashley Nicole Chastain and Travis Barbour, and Alex Nathaniel Chastain; great-grandchildren, Elias R. Bell and Emmitt D. Barbour; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Claudette Chastain of Tunnel Hill, GA, Ronald and Martha Chastain, Lyndon Chastain, and Roxie Chastain, all of Dalton, GA; brother-in-law, Larry Owensby of Chatsworth, GA; special pen pal, Deloris Sosebee of New Brunswick, NJ; along with many nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Samuel Ray Chastain will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Michael Defore and Reverend Roger Stover officiating. He will be laid to rest at United Memorial Gardens. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Larry Owensby, Anthony Owensby, Kevin Chastain, Keith Chastain, Mason Chastain, Jacob Chastain, Ellijah Chastain, Brandon Echols, Sean Chastain, David Elders, Jeff Harris, and Jamie Pepper. Military graveside honors will be provided by the Dalton American Legion Post #112. He was proud of the fact that his two grandsons, Matthew Bell and Charles Bell, both Navy veterans will fold the American Flag at his graveside service.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, and after 12:00 noon Friday until the service hour.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721.