Chestley W. Price

Chestley Wardell Price was born February 24, 1950, in Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late Delores Washington and Otis Price. He peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 24, 2026.

Affectionately known as “Chester” to family and friends, he received his early education in the public schools of Richland County School District One. He was a proud graduate of Dreher High School and an alumnus of the University of South Carolina. Chester was a member of the esteemed “Trail Blazers,” the name given to the first generation of Black students (1963–1983) to attend the University following its reintegration, honoring their courage and determination. He was also among the first Black students selected to participate in the University’s Study Abroad Program in France.

Chester’s professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. He served as an educator and track and field coach, and he pursued his love of the arts as a thespian, performing locally and appearing on the big screen in the films Paradise (1991) and Love Field (1992), as well as on the television series In the Heat of the Night. A significant portion of his career was devoted to the nonprofit sector, where he worked faithfully for many years with the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council.

Above all, Chester’s greatest passion was service. He was deeply committed to mentoring young people and volunteering within his community, always willing to share his talents, wisdom, and compassion to uplift others.

In addition to his parents, Chester was preceded in death by his beloved great-grandfather, Royal “Mr. Saint” Taylor; his grandmother, Adel McFadgion; his sisters, Barbara Barnes Moore and Helen Collins; his brothers, Douglas Price and Robert Harris; his nephew, Gordon “Tommy” Washington; and his adopted parents, Robert Sr. and Josephine Craft.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Marie and Patricia Washington; his adopted brothers, Robert Craft Jr. (Hilda) and Charles Craft; his nephews, Stacey, Nicholas, and Ivan Collins, James Jr., Jamey, Joseph, and Jeremy Green; his nieces, Delores “Dee-Dee” Washington, Shana Thornton, Octavia Sims, Zalander, and Belinda Green; along with a host of relatives and dear friends who were family in every sense of the word.

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