Chester McNeer

Jarvis Chester McNeer, age 89, of Cleveland, Mississippi, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Azalea Commons Personal Care Home in Cleveland.

Born on February 20, 1937, to Doty McNeer and Bessie Robinson McNeer in Cleveland, Chester was a proud graduate of Boyle High School. Following his graduation, he honorably served in the United States Marines. Chester was the devoted owner of the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Ruleville, Mississippi, for 28 years until his retirement, earning a reputation as a hardworking entrepreneur.

Chester cherished time spent with family and friends. An avid fisherman and golfer, he enjoyed his annual golf trips with friends, a tradition he looked forward to for many years. He found great pleasure in listening to his favorite country music and socializing at the McDonald’s Coffee Club. A faithful member of Ruleville Baptist Church, Chester’s warmth and dedication touched many in his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doty and Bessie McNeer, and siblings Susie Sumrall, Lester McNeer, Donnell McNeer, R. B. McNeer, Willie McNeer, and Peggy Saunders.

Chester leaves behind his beloved children: Julie McBride of St. Petersburg, Florida; Phil McNeer (Morgan) of Drew, Mississippi; and Poppy Driskell (Brian) of Nashville, Tennessee; Sister, Joy Hays of Winnsboro, LA. He was a proud grandfather to Jade Bacher (Ricky), Audrey Driskell, Mallory Driskell, Eliza Driskell, Hudson Reed McNeer, and Mari Milum McNeer, and a cherished great-grandfather to Gavin Desoto, Blake Bacher, and Brooklyn Bacher.

Family, friends, and all who knew Chester are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Cleveland Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:00 AM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Brad Beckwith will officiate.

Pallbearers will include his nephew and great-nephews, Ron McNeer, Mitchell McNeer, Parker McNeer, Gary Jennings, Mark Blackwood, and Michael Manning. Honorary pallbearers are Sonny Gibson, Tom Branning, grandson Hudson Reed McNeer, and great-grandson Gavin Desoto.

The family wishes to thank Cleveland Funeral Home for their care and support during this difficult time. Jarvis Chester McNeer’s legacy of dedication, kindness, and love will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.