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Rev. Chester Debnam, Jr. 73, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of April 9, 2013. Chester was born August 19, 1939 in Raleigh, NC. He was the fourth child out of eleven born to the late, Chester Debnam, Sr. and the late Lovie (Matthews) Debnam. He graduated from the then J.W. Ligon High School in 1957.
Upon graduating from J. W. Ligon High School in August 1957, Chester entered the United States Air Force. He rose from the initial position of Firefighter Helper to that of Deputy Fire Chief. He served as Fire Chief of Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and two Meritorious Service Medals (peacetime). |
Rev. Chester Debnam Jr.
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In 1978, Chester was selected as the Military Airlift Command Civil Engineer Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force. He received a vast number of awards during his military career. Chester retired from the Air Force in 1980 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Chester considers these commendations less than nothing.
Chester retired from the U. S. Post Office on September 1, 2001. For the glory of God, Chester worked ten straight years without having taken a full day of sick leave. The postmistress recognized this effort with a letter to Chester for having accumulated over 1000 hours of sick leave. He received a pin and a certificate for having acquired 1186 hours of sick leave. Chester received a letter of commendation for his exemplary postal service after one of his postal customers sent a letter to the station manager complimenting him on his willingness to go the extra mile.
God's intent for Chester's life was to preach the Gospel. In1981, Chester received a divine calling from His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Chester was examined by the Johnston District Baptist Association and was ordained by Watts Chapel in Raleigh, NC, on December 8, 1996. Chester was an Associate Minister at Watts Chapel Baptist Church in Raleigh and served faithfully until his health prevented him.
On May 8, 1998, Rev. Debnam was awarded a bachelor's Degree in Theology from the Apex School of Theology. On May 5, 2001, he received the Master of Divinity Degree from Apex School of Theology. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. During the 2001 Founder's Day program, Rev. Debnam received special recognition from the school for his efforts in fund raising for the school and his interest in the overall well-being of the school.
A number of years ago, Chester, along with other Christians, addressed North Carolina legislative committees a number of times on moral issues such as state-sponsored gambling, the rights of the unborn, and other issues that raise the sin question.
Chester preached at Wake Correctional Center for approximately twelve years. Chester received two certificates of appreciate from the General Baptist State Convention for his prison ministry work through the Watts Chapel Outreach. In 1994 he received a plaque for his dedicated service to prison ministry.
Chester also received a certificate of appreciation from former Governor James Martin for his work in the prison system and has received one from former Governor James Hunt. In 1994, Chester received a certificate of recognition from William K. Jones, the Superintendent of Wake Correctional Center.
Chester taught Vacation Bible School for approximately fourteen years. He enjoyed teaching the teenage students. He received several certificates of appreciation for serving as a Vacation Bible School teacher. Previously as a layperson, Chester served as Co-Chairperson of the Laymen's League.
Chester had a deep sense of compassion and concern for the widows, the elderly, the single-parent, orphans, and others. Chester was interested in leading God's people to improve their quality of life in all areas, without sacrificing the first emphasis, which is the relationship between the church and the Son of the Living God.
God gave Chester a measure of faith to glorify God. For a number of years Chester wrote articles that were published in several newspapers. His articles have been published in the past in The Charlotte Post (Charlotte NC); The Carolina Peacemaker (Greensboro, NC); The Challenger (Wilmington, NC); The Carolina Times (Durham, NC); and The Carolinian (Raleigh, NC). He tried to address contemporary issues, as they relate to the Bible. His writings on issues affecting the Christian community have been published frequently in the People's Forum section of The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC). The News & Observer has written three articles about Chester’s efforts as he sought to bring glory to the Lord. His articles were published frequently in The Carolinian (Raleigh, NC) under the heading "Bible in the World.”
Chester retired from the U. S. Post Office on September 1, 2001. For the glory of God, Chester worked ten straight years without having taken a full day of sick leave. The postmistress recognized this effort with a letter to Chester for having accumulated over 1000 hours of sick leave. He received a pin and a certificate for having acquired 1186 hours of sick leave. Chester received a letter of commendation for his exemplary postal service after one of his postal customers sent a letter to the station manager complimenting him on his willingness to go the extra mile.
God's intent for Chester's life was to preach the Gospel. In1981, Chester received a divine calling from His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Chester was examined by the Johnston District Baptist Association and was ordained by Watts Chapel in Raleigh, NC, on December 8, 1996. Chester was an Associate Minister at Watts Chapel Baptist Church in Raleigh and served faithfully until his health prevented him.
On May 8, 1998, Rev. Debnam was awarded a bachelor's Degree in Theology from the Apex School of Theology. On May 5, 2001, he received the Master of Divinity Degree from Apex School of Theology. He graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. During the 2001 Founder's Day program, Rev. Debnam received special recognition from the school for his efforts in fund raising for the school and his interest in the overall well-being of the school.
A number of years ago, Chester, along with other Christians, addressed North Carolina legislative committees a number of times on moral issues such as state-sponsored gambling, the rights of the unborn, and other issues that raise the sin question.
Chester preached at Wake Correctional Center for approximately twelve years. Chester received two certificates of appreciate from the General Baptist State Convention for his prison ministry work through the Watts Chapel Outreach. In 1994 he received a plaque for his dedicated service to prison ministry.
Chester also received a certificate of appreciation from former Governor James Martin for his work in the prison system and has received one from former Governor James Hunt. In 1994, Chester received a certificate of recognition from William K. Jones, the Superintendent of Wake Correctional Center.
Chester taught Vacation Bible School for approximately fourteen years. He enjoyed teaching the teenage students. He received several certificates of appreciation for serving as a Vacation Bible School teacher. Previously as a layperson, Chester served as Co-Chairperson of the Laymen's League.
Chester had a deep sense of compassion and concern for the widows, the elderly, the single-parent, orphans, and others. Chester was interested in leading God's people to improve their quality of life in all areas, without sacrificing the first emphasis, which is the relationship between the church and the Son of the Living God.
God gave Chester a measure of faith to glorify God. For a number of years Chester wrote articles that were published in several newspapers. His articles have been published in the past in The Charlotte Post (Charlotte NC); The Carolina Peacemaker (Greensboro, NC); The Challenger (Wilmington, NC); The Carolina Times (Durham, NC); and The Carolinian (Raleigh, NC). He tried to address contemporary issues, as they relate to the Bible. His writings on issues affecting the Christian community have been published frequently in the People's Forum section of The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC). The News & Observer has written three articles about Chester’s efforts as he sought to bring glory to the Lord. His articles were published frequently in The Carolinian (Raleigh, NC) under the heading "Bible in the World.”