Roosevelt Chester was born on October 24, 1955 to the late parents, Travis Nathaniel and Gladys Mae Mayfield Chester. He was the fourth child born of his siblings, and affectionately known as "Bernard", "Nard", "Nardy", or "Rose" to his family and close friends.

Roosevelt accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of the Chapel Hill Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Tyler, Texas. With such a servant heart for people, he enjoyed singing in the male chorus for many years, and would often look forward to weekly fellowship. He attended schools in the Chapel Hill Independent School District and graduated with the class of 1974. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served for three years, and concluded his time in the U.S. Army in 1977. Upon returning home, he began working at Ingersoll Rand, formally known as Trane. After 33 years, he finally retired and served as a volunteer on the Lawrence Cemetery Committee in Tyler.

Even though Roosevelt was known for his quiet demeanor, he could always attract a great deal of company, many who he would call buddies. He'd spend most of his days outside under the tree, laughing and talking with friends who'd stop by for a quick chat or just to check on him on their way home. He relied on the presence of his family and friends to keep him company. He enjoyed being outdoors and over time, developed a love for farming. If he wasn't outside piddling in the garden, or hanging with friends, you could sure find him inside cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and praying for a win.

After a lengthy illness and extended stay, Roosevelt departed this life on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Christus Mother Frances Hospital of Tyler, Texas. In addition to his mother and father, he is preceded in death by his sister, Gwendolyn Joy Chester Kinnard.

Roosevelt leaves behind to cherish his memories, Uncle Alvin Mayfield, Aunt Doris Faye Chester, his brothers, Travis Lee Chester Jr. (Addie) and Clyde Phillips, and sisters, Patricia Chester Boyd, Harriet Chester Lagrone (Emmett); Marvis Chester Melontree (Andrew Jr ), and brother in law Ed Kinnard. He was a loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews, Keenan Chester, Karleton Chester (Tunisia), Terri Kinnard, Trenisha MoselyWilliams, Cortland Boyd, Erica Kelley Jennings (Hamaad), Andrea Melontree Moore (Jayme), Andrew Melontree III (Vernicia), and a host of great nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.