Woodrow "Birdie" Chestnut was born July 2, 1937, in Myrtle Beach, SC to the parentage of the
late Sam and Bertha Chestnut. He departed this life on Friday, September 10, 2021, at his home in Myrtle Beach.
At the tender age of 13, Woodrow committed himself to full-time work in a selfless effort to
support his family. Woodrow's initial employment was with the Chapin Company as a
custodian. After departing Chapin, he worked as a caddy at Pine Lakes and Dunes Golf
Courses. It was through his affiliation with colleagues and club members Woodrow developed
a fond appreciation and love for golf. After he was afforded the opportunity to play, other
players noticed how well he played and gave him the name "Birdie." Following his departure
from the golf courses, Birdie, as he was affectionately called, worked as a houseman for various
properties along the Grand Strand. Most notable was his employment with Patricia Grand,
Palms, Swamp Fox & Compass Cove Resorts. He received numerous accolades for his stellar
customer service that included employee of the year in 1982.
Woodrow met and subsequently married Betty Warren of Mullins, SC in 1972.
They enjoyed a wonderful marriage until his death.
Woodrow was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Jimmy Griffin and Aaron
Hemingway; three brothers, George Chestnut, Samuel Coolidge Chestnut, and Lewis Spivey;
eight sisters, Cora Wilson, Bernice Watson, Ethel Mae Dennison, Catherine Dennison, Dorothy
Chestnut, Inez Holmes, Nina Eaddy & Elizabeth Goings.
To mourn his death and cherish fond memories, Woodrow leaves his devoted and loving wife,
Betty Chestnut; two daughters, Sheila Marie Favorite and Priscilla Ann Pickett of Myrtle
Beach, SC; two sisters, Carrie Cole of Miami, FL and Bessie (LeRoy) Rush of Myrtle Beach, SC;
two brothers, Elijah (Joanne) Chestnut of Myrtle Beach, SC and Jessie Chestnut of Troy, NY. He
is also survived by his granddaughters, grandsons, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces,
nephews, other relatives and long-time friends.
Woodrow Chestnut passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Myrtle Beach Chapel. There will be a funeral service held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 17, 2021, at Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Ocean Woods Cemetery in Myrtle Beach.
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