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Tryon– Known to stockbrokers and attorneys as Arthur Buchanan Chesnutt, Jr, and all others as Pat, our Daddy lived a life filled with adventure, joi de vivre, and service to others. His serious side included an unwavering dedication to his business Chesnutt Insulation Associates and his lifelong clients. After years in corporate insulation sales, Pat started what would become a successful business in Landrum, SC which still operates today.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama to Arthur Buchanan Chesnutt, Sr, and Elizabeth “Bebe” Richter Chesnutt on Sept 24, 1930, Pat grew up baby brother to sisters Tootsie and Barbara.

Pat attended the University of Alabama, was a Brother of the Iota Iota Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity, was head cheerleader for 4 years, and was a varsity letterman. He was a member of ARMY ROTC enlisting in 1952 and stationed at Wolmido Island, Port of Incheon. Pat was attached to the Korean Marines and was Captain of a fleet of boats transporting equipment to US forces prior to the Korean War. He retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his return to the States, Pat went to work with Indurall Paints and was evidently, a natural-born salesman.

Pat married his bride, Jean Taurman Pettyjohn after a quick courtship, proposing to her on her washing machine. They settled at home in Mountain Brook and started their family. Sally Taurman was born in 1959, followed by Alice Rosamond in 1963 and Kathryn Pettyjohn in 1969 and their family was complete.

Pat rose the corporate ladder, working for Rose Marie Reid, Owens Corning Fiberglas, and Knauf Fiberglass before starting Chesnutt Insulation Associates and turning that into a serious player in the industry.

Pat and Jean relocated many times to Houston, Montgomery, Memphis, and Atlanta, settling in Tryon in 1976 and starting a small gentleman’s farm giving their girls a real country experience, with horses, dogs, cats, and pet cows. The family have been members of Holy Cross Episcopal Church for 47 years where Pat served as Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Evening Group Leader, and Vestry Member.

Pat leaves behind a family legacy with his wife of  64 years, Jean Pettyjohn Chesnutt of Tryon, NC, Sally Chesnutt Barrett(Larry) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Alice Chesnutt Kraebber (David) of Wilmington and Tryon NC, Kathryn Chesnutt Gillie (Craig) of the home, Grandsons Jacob Buchanan Barrett, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Samuel Chesnutt Kraebber, Charleston SC, Patrick Gray Barrett (Annah) Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Colin Harris Gillie, Asheville, NC, Angus Buchanan Kraebber, Wilmington and Asheville, NC, Great-Granddaughter Charlotte Rose Barrett, Santa Rosa Beach FL, and chosen son Marvin Lee McDowell, Mountainlake Terrace WA. Private interment will be in the memorial garden at Church of the Holy Cross, Tryon, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you donate to a charity of your choice and be kind to one another. Daddy never missed a day without saying “I love you”.

Petty Funeral Home
Landrum, SC