Newell Edward "Ed" Chambless, Jr.

Following an eight month battle with cancer, Pastor Newell Edward Chambless (1948-2026) peacefully left the shores of this earth and entered the shores of Heaven to meet his Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He was holding the hand of his wife Dale, surrounded by his family, and had a beautiful view of the beach he and his family so loved.

Pastor Ed was born in Waycross, Georgia, growing up with his younger sister Medley and his mother Bobby Lankford. He met his wife Dale at Sunday School when they were 12 years old, and they were married in January of 1970.

He began his college studies at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in business administration before joining the Navy in 1970 to fight in the Vietnam War. After serving on the USS Sarsfield and the USS Saratoga for the duration of the war, Pastor Ed returned home to his wife and young daughter Lisa to finish his degree. The birth of his son, Matt, completed the family.

Pastor Ed worked in the business world for many years, until he encountered His Savior in the mid 70’s. Realizing his need for a Savior and calling upon Him for forgiveness of sins and an eternity with His Lord changed the trajectory of his life. This decision led him to pursue a ministerial master’s degree at Bethany Theological Seminary and answer God’s calling on his life to preach. This became his life’s work, and he spent more than 40 years in the ministry.

In February of 2025, Pastor Ed “retired and retreaded” from Mikado Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, where he had served for the previous 20 years. There he was dubbed “the candy pastor” and loved serving the people of all ages. He taught Sunday school, loved children, had a nickname for almost everyone he knew and valued showing the love of His Savior and spreading His Word above all. His family was his most priceless possession, and Sunday dinners with the in town kids and grandkids were a standing arrangement.

The Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 14, at Mikado Baptist Church, with the viewing beginning at 2:00 pm and the Celebration of Life following at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Pastor Ed requested that donations be made to support missions. And, in his own words, he wanted everyone to know: “Don’t be cheap!”

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.