Obituaries

Search 



Chesley Yates Dellinger, Jr.
( February 3, 1924 - April 27, 2023 )
Chesley Yates Dellinger, Jr, of Charlotte passed away peacefully on Thursday, April, 27, 2023, at the age of 99. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Ruth Goodnight Dellinger.

Chesley was born in Catawba County, NC on February 3, 1924, to father Chesley, Sr. and mother Rosa Mae Speagle Dellinger. The oldest of five sons, Chesley helped out on his family’s farm. His strong work ethic, desire to provide for his family, and urge to serve his country led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy after his first year of college. During his enlistment as a Navy fighter pilot he took off and landed 493 times, on ten different aircraft carriers, before retiring after 30 years of service, having achieved the rank of Commander. During this time, Mr. Dellinger also graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College.

Chesley initially met Ruth Goodnight in grade school. The two were married in 1942, and had four children. Even while serving on several long tours throughout his naval career, he never lost the desire to provide for his family. Above all else, he was a loving husband and father. Some time after retiring from the Navy, Chesley assumed the new mantle of being a grandfather, and eventually great-grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa” to those around him. A title he wore with pride.

Chesley was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harvey, Carl, Lewis, and Ray; and wife, Ruth. He is survived by his four children, daughter Judy Myhre and her children, Katie and Rick (Elena) and their children, Bobby and Chesley; son Ken (Connie) and their children Amanda (Ryan) and their daughter Charlotte, Derek, and Jessica; daughter, Jane Haar(Steve) and their daughter Samantha (Zach) and step-daughter Jeanie; and son Bob (Melanie) and their children Alexandra and Bobby; and a host of loving nieces and nephew.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Corinth Baptist Church 7929 W. NC 10 Hwy, Vale, NC 28168.  Rev. Jim Kilby will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.


Posted on 01 May 2023


 

summer fall winter spring