William Chester Chislum, Jr, was born on July 22, 1961, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, to William Chester Chislum, Sr and Barbara Jean Chislum (née Smith), later Barbara Jean Brashears. He was primarily raised by Frank Ellis Brashears III and Barbara Jean Brashears. Frank lovingly accepted the responsibility of raising William as his own son, providing him with unwavering love, guidance, and support. William deeply loved and admired Frank Ellis Brashears III, proudly calling him “Dad” until the very last week of his life.

From an early age, William’s curious mind, creativity, and adventurous spirit set him apart. As the oldest brother, he delighted in entertaining his younger siblings with his beloved sock puppet, Roscoe, and by drawing imaginative cartoons that brought laughter and joy to the family. While attending Rancocas Valley Regional High School, William distinguished himself as a talented bassist, a track athlete, and a gifted young artist. Among his many creative works was his own unique rendition of the legendary Jersey Devil, affectionately named “Red.” His imagination, originality, and willingness to see the world differently were qualities that remained with him throughout his life.

William continued his education at San Jacinto Junior College, in the Houston area where he further developed his artistic talents. As a freelance artist and illustrator, he transformed his creativity into a successful career. His work in fine arts, music, and as a caricature artist served clients and communities throughout the Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Through every project, William sought not only excellence but also beauty, leaving a lasting impression on those who experienced his work.

Music was also a great expression of William’s creative heart. A gifted bassist, he performed professionally throughout the Houston area with established bands, opening for renowned gospel artists including The Winans, Commissioned, and Ron Kenoly, among others. He also faithfully served as a bassist in the music ministry of Lakewood Church under the leadership of Pastor John Osteen, and Harvest Time church, under the leadership of Bishop Shelton Baty, among other Houston area churches using his gifts to worship God and encourage others through music.

Perhaps one of William’s greatest passions was his lifelong pursuit of God’s truth. His knowledge of the Bible was unlike that of anyone who knew him. He approached Scripture not merely as something to read, but as an invitation to continually seek and grow. His walk of faith was not without questions, hardships, or seasons of discouragement. Yet those struggles never stopped him from searching. Again and again, he returned to God’s Word with humility, conviction, and an open heart. His pursuit of truth became one of the defining characteristics of his life.

William was equally devoted to serving others. He honorably served his country first in the United States Navy, receiving an honorable discharge following his military service. He later became a licensed Registered Nurse, caring for others with compassion and professionalism before once again answering the call to serve by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard, where he also served honorably from 1985 to 1988 before receiving an honorable discharge. He was recognized as a Camp Lejeune water contamination survivor. Throughout the years, he courageously faced significant health challenges, including lymphoma, with remarkable resilience and steadfast faith which were determined to be a direct result of his service during his younger years.  Even during the last weeks of his life, those who loved William witnessed the quiet courage with which he endured suffering. While in seasons of uncertainty, he continued moving forward with determination and hope.

Whether serving his country, caring for patients, creating works of art, sharing music, or studying Scripture, William lived with purpose. He believed that every gift entrusted to him was meant to be shared in service to others. Those who knew him will remember his generous heart, creative spirit, servant’s heart, enduring resilience, and unwavering love for his family.  In the ordinary moments of life, William found purpose and joy. Even on the day of his passing, he was doing what came naturally to him—working with his hands on his truck, always creating, improving, and caring for the things entrusted to him. It was one more reflection of the curiosity, determination, and quiet dedication that characterized his life. William would have been the first to admit that he was not a perfect man. Like all of us, he experienced triumphs and disappointments throughout life’s journey. Yet those moments never defined him. What defined William was his willingness to keep growing, to keep creating, to keep serving, and to keep seeking God through every season of life.  His life was a testament to service, creativity, resilience, and faith.  He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

William was preceded in death by his biological father, William Chester Chislum, Sr., his beloved and prayerful mother, Barbara Jean Brashears, with whom he shared a special bond through music, the arts, and the study of God’s Word. Their countless hours together studying Scripture nurtured a lifelong love of learning, faith, and the pursuit of truth. He was also preceded in death by his dear grandmother, Mrs. Marietta Smith (née Morico / Morris), his paternal brother, Tony Nelson, a fellow military veteran, and by his beloved younger cousin, Bradley William Deshield, whose memory he cherished.

William is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Lorraine May Chislum whom he married on April 2, 2026; his sons, David Anthony Eves, and Stephen Chislum; his beloved father, Frank Ellis Brashears III; maternal sister and brother T’sara Lynn Brashears and Frank Ellis Brashears IV; his cherished paternal siblings including Mildred Shabazz, Theresa Chislum-Pearson, Christy, Deborah Harvey, Dennis Chislum, Melissa Chislum, Barnett Chislum, Bernard Chislum, and Teodora Vegas ; his beloved maternal Aunts Margaret Smith and Elizabeth Deshield;  He is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews, of whom he was immensely proud; a host of cousins, extended family members, treasured friends and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.  He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Carissa, Sean, and Corey.

William’s earthly journey has ended, but his legacy lives on—in the lives he touched through his kindness, in the music he played, in the art he created, in the patients he cared for, in the family he loved, and in the faith he never stopped pursuing.

May William Chester Chislum, Jr, rest in God’s eternal peace.