Chester Earl "Chet" Rall

Chester Earl Rall June 14, 1949 – April 18, 2026

Chester Earl Rall, affectionately known as “Chet,” was born June 14, 1949, in Evansville, IN. A man of remarkable range and restless heart, he lived a life defined by service, music, and compassion.

A celebration of Chet's life will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Batesville First Methodist Church with the family gathering at 9:00 A.M. to receive friends. A military honors committal service will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN.

Chet served his country in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate and Helicopter Rescue Crewman. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam earning multiple commendations and medals for his courage and dedication, including recognition for his role in the recovery of NASA’s Skylab second manned mission.

After returning home, he followed his love of music, performing country, classic rock, and gospel across the country with groups including The Archer Brothers, Chet and George (a band with his brother), Amos and the Outlaws, and his band Timberline — even recording at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL.

In his “third act,” Chet pursued nursing, earning his MSN and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. He and his wife Susan built a primary care clinic in Grand Junction, TN, where he served his community for nearly 20 years. He later worked at a homeless clinic in Juneau, Alaska, and served as medical director of an urgent care clinic in Bolivar, TN — where he was on the front lines when COVID struck. He survived against all odds, sustained by faith, family, and prayer.

Chet settled in Batesville, MS, where he found joy in great friends and returned to his first love — playing in his church’s worship band.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan (Klingbeil) Rall; children Sandra (Kevin) Tate, Dusty Rall, Ashley (Luke) Oswalt, and Donna Walsh; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings George (Denise) Rall, Cathy (Rick) Chaplin, and Rhonda (John) Fyffe; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Catherine Morkin, his son Chester Rall Jr., his brother Darrell Rall Sr., and his sister Sheila Messinger.

Chet lived fully, loved deeply, and served generously. He will be profoundly missed