Mr. Paul "Bug" Chastain, Jr., passed away on April 5, 2025. He died peacefully at his Blue Ridge home surrounded by his family. He was born the 7th child out of ten, to Paul and Beulah Chastain in Blue Ridge, Georgia on April 13, 1930.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Desma Chastain; his daughter, Millie Ippilito; and siblings and their spouses, Pauline Chastain, Wilma (Robert) Horton, Glen (Suda) Chastain, Wendell (Marie) Chastain, Mamie (Ralph) Hart, Mozelle (James) Anderson, Betty (Bill) Shook, and Rev. Worth (Inez) Chastain.

Paul attended Red Bush Elementary School and graduated from Blue Ridge High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army for 2 years during the Korean War.

He married the love of his life, Desma Towe in 1955 and they moved to Jacksonville, Florida. They had four children; Millie, Paula, Joel, and Michael. Eight grandchildren; Faith, Jeni, Kaylee, Joel, Jeremy, Jonathan, Ethan, and Matthew. Eight great grandchildren; Braden, Dominic, Lauren, Bryce, Vincent, Risto, Anneli, and Madison.

Paul was known by various names. By his relatives and friends in Blue Ridge he was known as Bug or Jr. Throughout his career he was known by his friends and co-workers as Paul, or "Cuz." By his children he was known as Dad. By his grandchildren and great grandchildren he was known as PaPa.

Paul loved sports. Growing up he loved listening to sports on the radio. He played basketball in High School. He enjoyed watching his children play various sports and strongly supported them all. He loved watching sports on TV, especially the Braves, and the Georgia Bulldogs! He was a great fisherman! He loved fishing in the creeks of Blue Ridge with his brothers, cousins, and friends. He spent thousands of hours fishing in Florida with his family and friends.

Paul was saved at the age of 17 at Youngs Chapel Church in Blue Ridge. He spent the rest of his life serving God in various churches in Georgia and Florida. He was a Deacon, Board Member, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. Church was a high priority for him and his family. He faithfully supported the church through tithes and offerings. He generously gave to missionaries, friends, and family.

As a son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great grandfather he was a provider, encourager, mentor, and role model. Paul was an authentic follower of Christ. His testimony had a great impact on his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be truly missed here on earth but we rejoice that we will see him again one day in heaven!

Survivors are children, Paula Chastain, Joel Chastain (Kathy), and Michael Paul Chastain; grandchildren, Faith Lyons (Brian), Jeni Kaaber (Brad), Kaylee Evans (Grant), Joel Curtis Chastain, Jonathan Chastain, Ethan Chastain, Matthew Chastain, and Jeremy Ippilito (Megan); great-grandchildren, Braden Kaaber, Lauren Kaaber, Bryce Kaaber, Dominic Evans, Vincent Evans, Risto Lyons, Anneli Lyons, and Madison Ippilito; sister, Alice Ratcliff; numerous nieces; nephews; family and friends.

Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Dr. Chan Mitchell officiating. Music was by Brian Huffman. Military Honors were provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. A private interment will be in the Young's Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. The family received friends at the funeral home on Saturday, April 12 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 3:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.