Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com John D. Chastain, aged 79, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2023, at Select Hospital in Augusta, concluding a courageous 75-day battle against multiple health issues. Born to John H. and Virgina Chastain of Talking Rock, he was the eldest among four siblings. John's formative years were adorned with cherished moments spent with grandparents and relatives in the Ryo and Fairmount communities. Anyone accompanying him on Route 53 West into Gordon County could anticipate a detour down Tennessee Street, where he would passionately share stories of beloved people and cherished experiences. His narratives often included the tale of Elvis passing through Fairmount on Highway 411. John pursued education at Mount Berry School for Boys, Clarksville Technical College, and Kennesaw State University. His career commenced at Lockheed and later WAGA-TV5 in Atlanta, where he dedicated 25 years to diverse roles in news coverage and production. He had the privilege of attending remarkable events such as Presidential Inaugurations and the homecoming of Iranian hostages, always having captivating experiences to share and countless friends he treasured. Upon retiring from WAGA-TV5, he became the owner/operator of Talking Rock Communications, a satellite uplinking company, for 22 years. With his son Michael managing TRC's operations, John entered a well-deserved "retirement" phase, indulging in his passions: golf, ham radio, western literature, and traveling with his beloved wife and family. John and his wife shared 40 blissful years of marriage and were on the brink of celebrating their 41st anniversary. Affectionately known as Granddad, John held a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a beacon of encouragement and a staunch supporter of his children's pursuits. His children's spouses were cherished and valued members of the family. John actively participated in church activities, passionately sharing his faith, often distributing copies of "Muscle and Shovel" in the hope of spreading the Truth. He worked on various projects at Northside Church of Christ over the last forty years. We are profoundly grateful for the time we had with him. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void. Big John, a gentle giant and a friend to all who knew him, will be dearly missed, leaving behind fond memories and a legacy of love. Survivors include his wife, Jean M. Chastain of Jasper; daughter and son-in-law, Destini and Matthew Shope; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rhonda Chastain; grandchildren, Mallory and Michael Young, Chris Logan, Ryan and Taylor-Anne Chastain, Brooklyn and Kyser Hamilton, Jadyn and Brandon Wilson, Tyler Lohman; great-grandchildren, Hadley and Harper Hamilton, Jacob and Keegan Wilson; brothers, Jerry and Kaye Chastain, Charles and Kathy Chastain; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnne and Charlie Tomblin. A host of other relatives also survive. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Butch Jones and Terry Burress officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.