William Thurman Chesser passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on June 9th, 2024 at 11:59 AM.

He was born to Delois Thurman and May Bell (Ramsey) Chesser on September 24, 1940. Any time he was asked for his date of birth, he would reply, "in the year 1940, the 24th day, of the month September."

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1960. When he first started school in first grade, the teacher asked him his name, he responded with Billy. The teacher asked him his "other name" and he didn't know he had another name. Finally, the teacher said, "what do they call you, Billy what?" He replied, "Billy Don't". He was known for two days as Billy Don't; when he got older, his mother called him Billy Honey.

He was drafted into the Army in 1963 and served as a Recon Scout for NATO Forces in Europe. He was assigned border patrol duty in West Germany as part of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He was given an early out when his father suffered a massive stroke. He served his remaining time in the reserves.

Bill married the love of his life on June 30, 1964. Marcia JoAnn Benefiel became Marcia JoAnn Chesser. She was his one and only "Sugar Babe".

In September 2023, Bill's health began slowly declining. After a hospitalization in January, Bill moved in with his niece and her husband, Jennifer and Randy Garland, and remained there until the time of his passing.

Bill is survived by his niece and her husband, Jennifer and Randy Garland, great-niece, Jessica (Jaylon) Kluemper (Zoey, Trey, Emme, Colt); son and wife, Mike and Linda Miller and grandson Michael Vicory Jr; grandson, William Mason and great-granddaughter, Ava; grandson, Patrick Mason. He is also survived by nephew David (Sandy) Benefiel; great-niece, Brittney (Tyler) Walls (Brooklyn and Emily), and many other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, April Mason; brothers, D. Richard and Allen W. Chesser; and sister, Carolyn Joyce Benefiel.

Visitation for Bill will take place from 4 PM to 8 PM EST on Monday, June 17, with a funeral service at 10 AM EST on Tuesday, June 18. Pastor Tuffy Blackwell will be officiating and burial will follow the service at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.