Gerald Chambers, 86, of Benton, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024. Born on Friday, August 13th, 1937, to James and Virginia Chambers,Gerald was the second of five children. His early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father’s work as a heavy equipment operator for TVA, which sparked Gerald’s lifelong passion for excavation. After graduating from Gallatin High School in 1955, Gerald returned to his hometown and married his beloved Pamelia Holland in 1959. In 1968, he founded Gerald D. Chambers Construction Company, which grew steadily to eventually become Gerald Chambers & Sons, Inc. in 1980, a testament to his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
Gerald was a pillar in his community, and will be remembered for his unparalleled work ethic and servant’s heart. He generously donated his time and resources to travel to Canada to bring the first elk to Land Between the Lakes, and he was a founding owner of 4 Little Pigs restaurant. Gerald was an avid outdoorsman, and cherished time spent with family and friends horseback riding, hunting, enjoying the quiet tranquility of the mountains, or trekking across the country on his next adventure. Countless Benton residents will recall visiting Gerald’s pond to fish while he watched from his carport, a huge smile adorning his face.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Higgins; his sons, Brien (Melonie), Scott (Brittany), and Mark Chambers; step-children, Jason Higgins (Laura) of Grand Rivers, KY, Jennifer Higgins of Benton, KY, his grandchildren, Cassie Powell (Dustin), Callie Layton (Chris), Briley, Chase, and Brody Chambers; step-grandchildren, Tye, Maya, and Ava Higgins, his great-grandchildren Olivia and Odin Powell, and Kit Layton; and his loyal dog, Smokey. Gerald is also survived by his brother, Jim Chambers of North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Pam Chambers; his parents, James and Virginia Chambers; and his sisters, Dixie Thweatt, Martha Lyles, and Peggy Filbeck.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th Street, Benton, KY 42025, Bro. Joe D. Thorn, Rev. Dr. Mike Gatton, and Rev. Kristi Stuckel officiating.
Interment will follow in the Benton Cemetery, Benton, KY.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or First Christian Church, 2515 Main Street, Benton, KY 42025.