Willie Berg Chason

Willie Berg Chason, 88, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at his home in Lanier County surrounded by his loving family. He did not set out to achieve the American Dream, but he did.
Mr. Chason was born in Lowndes County on March 2, 1932 to the late John David Chason and Edna Lineberger Chason. He was a graduate of Pine Grove High School where he played basketball for the Eagles on a dirt court. In 1950, he took the first train ride of his life to travel to Kansas City where he became one of only 12 Georgians to receive the FFA American Farmer Degree that year.
Mr. Chason was raised on a farm and figured he would spend the rest of his life tilling the soil of South Georgia. Then his life took a turn. Bill Roquemore hired Mr. Chason and his wife, Geraldine, to assist in the farming operation of a fledgling organization which came to be known as Patten Seed Company. With only a Farmall Super C tractor and a strong work ethic to his name, Mr. Chason embarked on a Patten Seed Company career that lasted 56 years.
During his first few years with the company, Mr. Chason raised corn, cotton, tobacco and other crops besides taking care of cows and hogs. In later years, his sterling accomplishments with the company came in the area of turfgrass. Mr. Chason planted sprigs from Lanier County on golf courses all over the Southeast as well as in Nassau and Freeport in the Bahama Islands and Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands. The most memorable course he planted was the PGA National Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He was also an expert at processing Centipede seed from the hundreds of acres of Patten Seed Company land. In his final years with the company, Mr. Chason helped to initiate the company’s involvement in the pecan business.
Mr. Chason enjoyed his family, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He also loved basketball, particularly the Valdosta State Rebels during the Bobby Ritch era and the Boston Celtics during the career of John Havlicek. Mr. Chason experienced great peace in his life when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 2011 when he was 79 years old.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Edith Copeland Chason, his loving and faithful companion in marriage for the past 69 years. Other survivors include his sons Michael David Chason, and his wife, Kris, from Tifton; Mitchell Chason and his wife, Judy, from Lakeland; and Tim Chason and his wife, Lynne, from Cartersville.
Other survivors include his grandchildren, Dr. Tracy Nolan from Americus, David Chason and his wife, Jasmine, from Tybee Island; Jennifer Woolbright and her husband, James, from Columbus; Brandon Chason and his wife, Monica, from Villa Rica; and Dr. Kelsey Chason from Chattanooga, Tenn. Step grandchildren include Craig Hunt and his wife, Amy, from Greenville, S.C., and Amanda Miles from Valdosta.
Great-grandchildren include Brody Chason from Tybee Island, Will Woolbright and Madison Woolbright from Columbus, and Jack Chason, Asher Chason, and Ellie Ruth Chason from Villa Rica. Step great grandchildren include Haley and Emma Miles from Valdosta, and Sam and Caroline Hunt from Greenville, S.C.
Mr. Chason is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Bobby Copeland from Valdosta and Ben Copeland from Lake Park, three sisters-in-law, Nell Chason from Lakeland, Marie Copeland from Valdosta, and LaVonne Copeland from Lake Park, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Buck Chason and Den Chason.
The Chason Family would like to thank dedicated caregivers Lisa Bailey, Jo Ann Lee, Ree Miller, Danielle Reddick, Jackie Harrell, Monty Ray, and Jimmy Reynolds. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Mr. Chason can be made to the First Baptist Church of Lakeland or to the charity of your choice.
A graveside service for Mr. Chason will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Lakeland. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until service time at the cemetery. Per the family’s request, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Kind words and memories may be left to the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The compassionate and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland is serving Mr. Chason’s family.