William Hartscel Chastain, age 83, of Ellijay, passed away on September 12, 2024 at The Retreat at Jasper following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Hartscel was born in Ellijay on June 23, 1941, the oldest child of the late David and Stella Teague Chastain. He graduated from Gilmer High School in 1959. Hartscel married his wife of 61 years, Gail Kemp Chastain, in 1963. He worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation for 35 years before his retirement in 1995. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Ellijay. Hartscel spent the last several months of his life at The Retreat at Jasper, where he lived with his brother Hassel as they both battled with Alzheimer's.

Hartscel is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Pauline Waddell Chastain, his little sister Edith Chastain, and his son-in-law Bob Mosley.

He is survived by his wife Gail Kemp Chastain and his three daughters; Dawn (Tony) Arbucci, Denise Mosley, and Debra (Jon) Jones all of Ellijay. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren; Tori (Josh) Perigo of Ellijay, Jacey (Matt) Shoemake of Carrollton, Ga, Taylor (Melissa) Jones of Rockwood, Tn, Marly Trahan of Roswell, Ga, Samantha Mosley and Sara Mosley of Ellijay, Aaliyah Jones of Cumming, Rob and Mel Mosley of Ellijay, Arifah, Amayah and Kiana Jones of Ellijay. 6 great-grandchildren; Kashane, Anez, Anique, Jonijah, and Josiah Perigo of Ellijay and Indra Shoemake of Carrollton.  Hartscel is also survived by his siblings Betty Chastain Cantrell, Hassel (Sarah) Chastain, Edward (Beverly) Chastain, Regina (Reggie) Mathis, Ricky (Pauline) Chastain, all of Ellijay.

The family will receive visitors at the Bernhardt Funeral Home on Saturday, September 21 from 2:00-4:00. A private interment will be in the Ellijay City Cemetery with the Rev. Josh Moyers officiating. Pallbearers will be Jon Jones, Tony Arbucci, Taylor Jones, Rob Mosley, Mel Mosley, Josh Perigo and Matt Shoemake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hartscel's memory to the Emory Brain Health Center, Emory University at 1762 Clifton Rd NE Suite 2400 Atlanta, GA 30322.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.