Rev. Johnny ‘Pete’ Chestnut, Sr. was born on November 14, 1945 in Fruitdale, Alabama to Evelyn Hardy and Alvin Chestnut. A man with many passions, his journey begins: At a young age, it was inherent that sports would be a cornerstone in his life. This passion led him to Grambling University on a full baseball scholarship. Pete’s journey would eventually lead him to enter the semi pro baseball league with the Indianapolis Clowns. As his journey progressed, Pete relocated to Hollywood, FL with his family. Here, his love for basketball was displayed through coaching opportunities at the YMCA, Dillard High and Parkway Middle Schools. His love of music showed in his playing of the electric guitar with his brothers and for his children. The journey continues, and Pete began work at Justice for All in Broward in the 1980s. His passion to help his community as well as its youth gave Pete many years of success as a Community Organizer while working with JAB, Inc. Notably, he also found Jesus Christ in the early 1980s, and began attending the Temple of the True Gospel, where he became Assistant Pastor. This journey led him to leading his own flock, as the Founding Pastor of New You Ministry of Hollywood, FL. He also founded Shekinah Glory of Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

His journey comes to an end and Rev. Johnny ‘Pete’ Chestnut, Sr. gained his wings on December 15, 2015.

Johnny’s memories will be cherished by: his wife, Shirley Chestnut of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; his mother, Evelyn Hardy of Fort Lauderdale, FL; nine siblings: Oscar (Joanna) Chestnut, Kay Laffite, Richard Laffite, Arthur Lafitte, all of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Fred (Cheri) Hardy and Lisa (Mike) Livingston of Port St. Lucie, FL, Kelvin Hardy of Margate, FL, Rita Hardy of Miramar, FL, and Joe (Samela) Laffite of Miami, FL; seven children: Johnny Chestnut, Jr, Dunyasa Pollard, Kevin Chestnut, Derrell Jenkins all of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Latosha Marshall and Natalie Chestnut, both of Jacksonville, FL, and Isaiah (Melissa) Chestnut of McDonough, Ga; 14 grandchildren: Bruce, Alonzo, Brianna, Larry, Johnell, Johnny, Andrea, Jayla, Darielle, Michyla, Samara, Leonard, Nathaniel, and Anniyah; 2 great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny Lee Chestnut, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.