Alva Bienville "Benny" Chastain Jr.

September 22, 1942 – February 9, 2025

Benny Chastain, 82, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 22, 1942, in Jackson, AL, Benny was the son of Alva Bienville Chastain Sr. and Grace Ellen (Bondurant) Chastain. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gaines Chapman "Bubba" Chastain, and his wife, Mary Chastain.

Benny was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. An accomplished pilot, he loved the thrill of performing aerial tricks. A lifelong entrepreneur, he owned and operated multiple businesses throughout his career—from skating rinks to racquetball courts to paint and body shops—but his favorite job was working with kids and being a positive influence in their lives. He spent his summers on the water, boating, water skiing, and pulling kids on tubes, while winters were reserved for the mountains, where he loved skiing the slopes. At 52, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a race car driver, continuing to race until the age of 80, when he took his final lap at the Daytona track. If you asked Benny the three things everyone should experience in life, he would say, "#1. Snow skiing, #2. White-water rafting, and #3. Flying a plane." A true adventurer, he was always seeking new experiences, but his greatest joy was his family. A devoted father and grandfather, he often referred to himself as "OPD"—short for "one proud dad." Benny was a member of Transformation Church in Tallahassee, where his faith remained a guiding light throughout his life.

Benny is survived by his children, Melissa Prescott (Chris), Benny Chastain (Christa), and Patrick Chastain; and his beloved grandchildren, Jesse Prescott, Jordan Chastain, Jada Pierce, Madison Williams, Chase Prescott, Bentley Chastain, and Dawson Chastain; and his great-grandson Jasper Grey.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 12:00 PM at Bethel Cemetery (481 SugarBaker Lane, Clarke County 36540), with Pastor Ryan Kramer of Transformation Church officiating. A viewing will take place at the cemetery prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his name to AcadeMe school (https://www.academetlh.com/giving) or to his church, Transformation TLH ( https://transformtlh.com/give)

Arrangements are entrusted to Clary-Glenn Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and guestbook messages may be shared at www.clary-Glenn.com (http://www.clary-glenn.com/).