Thaddeus Chester Rives, Jr., 84, went to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior on September 14, 2026.

Chester was the son of the late Chester Rives, Sr and Marviilee Rives. Also preceding him in death are his sister, Pat Rives; former wife, Carolyn Rives and Step-son, Brad Pelletier.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Linda Rives; son, Jimmy Rives (wife, Tracey); Granddaughter, Christen Miller (husband, Dustin Miller), Great Grandson, Watson Miller; Step-son Doug Bass (wife, Shannon), Step Granddaughters, Savannah Bass, Alexandra Johnson (husband, Ryan), Great Granddaughter, Parker Johnson; Step-daughter; Rebekah Pelletier (partner, Rae Franklin), Step Granddaughters; Skyler Pelletier and Scarlett Pelletier.

Chester worked 52 years as a machinist in metal fabrication and repair for Industrial Metal Flame Sprayers in East Durham. He took pride in his work, striving to always meet customer expectations.

Chester was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for the past 21 years. There he served as a Deacon and on numerous committees.

As a younger man, Chester served as a coach in baseball, basketball and volleyball for young women at Holloway Baptist Church. He lovingly referred to them as “his girls”. He loved them as though they were his own.

For many years he enjoyed fellowship with the Christian Bowling League and the Fellowship Dartball League.

Chester was a member of Lynn’s Crossroads Ruritan for the past 19 years. He was awarded Ruritan of the Year for 2025. His love for serving others embodied why he was a Ruritan. There he served on the Board of Directors and as a Grill Master for fundraising events. Perhaps the greatest love of service he had was that of cooking for major events at the Durham Rescue Mission. He would say, “This is a ministry I’m called to”. Over the past 26 years, he only missed an event when sick. His last act of service was for the Rescue Mission.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. Plans are incomplete at this time.