Gallimore, Chester
Chester Gallimore was born in August 1936 to Leslie and Cornelia Gallimore. The eldest of four sons, Chester was born and raised in Floyd County, Virginia, where he attended Floyd County High School, played basketball, and developed a lifelong appreciation for the rural community he called home.
In 1960, Chester was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1962. He continued his service in the National Guard Reserves until 1966.
Chester married Betty Jean Harris in 1961, and in May of 1966, they welcomed their son, Joseph. Upon returning home from the Army, Chester began working alongside his father, L.A. Gallimore, at Wills Ridge Supply. With a strong work ethic and a natural understanding of business, Chester earned his Class A contractor’s license and began building homes throughout Floyd and the surrounding counties.
Joe grew up alongside his father, learning the value of hard work, dedication, and service to the community. Following L.A. Gallimore’s retirement, Chester and Joe operated Wills Ridge Supply together for more than a decade, continuing the family’s tradition of serving Floyd County and the surrounding communities.
Those who knew Chester knew a man who was kind, intelligent, quick-witted, and full of life. He had a special love for animals and a generous heart, all while maintaining a famously frugal nature. Chester believed in living life to the fullest and rarely passed up an opportunity to travel or make a new memory.
He shared 40 wonderful years with his spirited and loving companion, Carol Crouse, who matched his enthusiasm for life and adventure. Together, they traveled, laughed, and created countless cherished memories. Carol will miss him dearly.
Chester’s interests were as colorful as his personality. He enjoyed fishing trips, car shows, cruises, pig roasts, and restoring and collecting classic automobiles. He treasured trips to NASCAR races with his brothers and attending Virginia Tech games with his closest friends. A kid at heart, Chester especially loved Christmas and the joy of giving. He often visited nursing homes during the Christmas season to distribute Christmas bears to residents, bringing smiles and happiness to those around him.
Of all his blessings, few brought Chester greater joy than his family. He prayed for grandchildren and was blessed with twin grandsons, Hunter and Grant. He delighted in spoiling them and took tremendous pride in their accomplishments, especially their athletic achievements. He attended as many of their games as possible, always eager to support and encourage them. One of his most treasured moments was attending their college graduation alongside Joe and Angie, a milestone he had prayed he would live to see.
Chester was also a respected and accomplished businessman. Known for his sharp mind and sound business judgment, he took great pride in his involvement in the creation of Carter Bank, where he served for 42 years and received distinguished recognition for his dedication and service.
As the years passed, Chester eventually entrusted the day-to-day operations of Wills Ridge Supply to Joe. He took tremendous pride in watching the business continue to thrive through his son’s knowledge, dedication, and commitment to customer service. Wills Ridge Supply was much more than a business to Chester; it represented generations of family history, hard work, and service to the Floyd County community.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Mac Gallimore.
Chester is survived by his devoted companion of 40 years, Carol Crouse; his son, Joseph “Joe” Gallimore and wife, Angie; his two beloved grandsons, Hunter Gallimore and wife, Grace, and Grant Gallimore (Hannah Rutledge); his brothers, Donald Gallimore and Dale Gallimore and wife, Barbara; and sister-in-law, Lilly Gallimore.
Throughout his life, Chester was blessed with countless friendships. Among those especially dear to him, both past and present, were Glenn Cockran, Mike Byrd, the Sam and Leah Wilson family, James and Missy Gay, Angela Joachim and Charles Ayers, Lonnie and Barbara Grandle, the Percy Reed family, Marvin Willis, and the many Wills Ridge Supply employees and friends too numerous to name.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Centerwell Home Healthcare, especially Janet, affectionately known as the “Queen of Physical Therapy,” and to Dr. Manuel Marrufo and his staff for their many years of exceptional medical care.
With special love and gratitude, the family recognizes the devoted caregivers whose patience, kindness, and compassion helped Chester enjoy more precious time with his loved ones. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Kathy D., Leasa, Heather, Liz, Donna, Christy, Debbie, and Cathy B., as well as his previous caregivers, Nina, Julia, Amy, Marie, Kim, and Sarah.
Special thanks are also extended to Melissa and the entire staff at Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Chester lived a full life, rich in adventure, friendship, laughter, and love. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a lasting legacy through his family, his community, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
Until we meet again, so long, sweet Chester.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Beaver Creek Church with Pastor Marvin Wade, Pastor Ed Gallimore, and Pastor Hebron Quesenberry officiating. Interment will follow in Beaver Creek Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard and Masonic Rites by the Floyd Masonic Lodge. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 at Beaver Creek Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beaver Creek Cemetery Fund.
