John David Chesnut J.D.

John David Chesnut, a distinguished attorney, civic leader, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong resident of DeKalb County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Linda Crowe Chesnut, with whom he shared a remarkable life of faith, family, and service. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 20, 2026.

Born and raised in DeKalb County, David graduated from Chamblee High School in 1957. His leadership and community involvement began during his years at Chamblee High School. A gifted and engaged student, he served as drum major, participated in the chorus and band, and was involved with the Blue and Gold newspaper staff, yearbook staff, debate club, science club, Key Club, and Future Farmers of America. In recognition of his accomplishments and lifelong contributions to his community, David was inducted into the Chamblee High School Hall of Fame in 2007. After highschool, he attended Erskine College. He earned his bachelor's degree from Oglethorpe University in 1961 and his Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1964. David went on to enjoy a respected legal career spanning over 50 years practicing law in Doraville and Decatur while serving as trusted counsel to local governments, development authorities, and public agencies throughout Georgia.

David began his public service as Assistant City Attorney and Recorder's Court Judge for the City of Doraville. In 1982, he resigned those positions upon his appointment by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to the Board of Directors of MARTA. During his ten years of service, he chaired the Development Committee, the Long Range Planning Committee, and ultimately the MARTA Board of Directors. He also led the influential Blue Ribbon Committee of 50, whose work resulted in transforming MARTA's North Line from a proposed busway into the heavy rail system that serves the region today. In 1992, he was appointed to the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority and served as its Chairman from 1995 to 1996. In 1996, during the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games, David served as Chairman of the Equine Advisory Committee. He oversaw the planning and coordination of equine-related activities in support of the Games and the establishment of the Georgia Horse Park in Conyers.

David's legal career included decades as counsel to the Development Authority of DeKalb County, as well as service as Special Counsel to the DeKalb County Housing Authority and the Decatur Housing Authority. He also represented the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and numerous development authorities and local governments across Georgia. Over the course of his career, he facilitated the issuance of hundreds of millions of dollars in municipal bonds for DeKalb County, helping finance critical infrastructure, schools, public facilities, housing, and economic development projects that continue to benefit generations of Georgians. His expertise in public finance earned him the respect of colleagues throughout the state. He was an active member of the State Bar of Georgia, the DeKalb Bar Association, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and served as Chairman of the Georgia Issuer's Counsel Association.

A passionate civic leader, David devoted countless hours to strengthening Georgia's business community. A longtime member of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, he served several terms on its Board of Directors before being elected Chairman in 1992. He later chaired the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Red Carpet Tour in 1995 and was elected to the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors in 1998. 

David believed deeply in leadership development and regional cooperation. He was a member of the inaugural Regional Leadership Institute class in 1991, later serving on the Regional Leadership Forum Board of Directors, and remained active as a director of the Civic League for Regional Atlanta.

Outside of his legal and civic endeavors, David had a lifelong passion for American Saddlebred horses. His family's involvement in breeding and showing Saddlebreds dated back to the 1950s. He proudly served as President of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Georgia and as the first President of the Southeastern Charity Horse Show. He also helped establish the American Road Horse Association, a national organization promoting Standardbred horses in the show ring. In recognition of their contributions to the equestrian community, David and Linda, were inducted into the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Georgia Hall of Fame in 2006. 

David was equally devoted to education and service. He was a longtime Rotarian, joining the North DeKalb Rotary Club in 1966. He actively supported the Georgia Rotary Student Program and served Erskine. College in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Alumni Association and member of the Board of Trustees.

David also cherished Georgia's history and preservation. In 1975, he and Linda purchased the historic Donaldson-Bannister House in Dunwoody, lovingly restoring and preserving the property for three decades before its sale to DeKalb County in 2005, ensuring its protection for future generations. 

David was a lifelong resident of DeKalb County until 2020, when he and Linda sold their home in Decatur and made Washington-Wilkes County their permanent home. The move fulfilled a lifelong dream, giving him the freedom to embrace the country life he loved. He could often be found riding his golf cart around the farm, checking on the fields and ending rides beneath the shade of the "Great Pine." Few things brought David greater joy than watching his fields be plowed, planted, and harvested. He took pride in being a steward of his Washington-Wilkes County land.

After establishing a second home in Washington, Georgia, David became equally devoted to the Washington[1]Wilkes community. He continued to use his legal expertise to strengthen the community by facilitating municipal bond financing for the Cecil A. Moore Law Enforcement Center opened in 2008 and the Washington-Wilkes Middle-High Comprehensive Schools, which opened 2009. He served as legal counsel to the Friends of Cherry Grove Schoolhouse during its restoration, helping preserve an important piece of local history. He was an active member of the Washington Rotary Club, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Kettle Creek Battlefield Association. Passionate about preserving Georgia's heritage, he enthusiastically promoted the Washington-Wilkes 250 Celebration and supported Wills Memorial Hospital. David and his family were devoted members of First Christian Church of Decatur. Together they faithfully served the church as Sunday School teachers, deacons, elders, and board members, reflecting their commitment to faith, fellowship, and service. David also served two terms as the Chairman of the Board. After moving to Washington, he and Linda attended the Episcopal Mediator Church. He especially enjoyed weekly Bible studies and the uplifting music program at the Methodist Church. His Christian faith guided every aspect of his life and inspired his commitment to serving others with humility and compassion.

Above all, David's greatest joy was his family. He shared a remarkable almost 65-year marriage with his beloved wife, Linda Crowe Chesnut, a fellow graduate of Oglethorpe University. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, horses, and community. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda; their daughter, Caroline Chesnut Leslie, and her husband, Jay W. Leslie, Jr.; and his granddaughter, Nancy Leslie Griffin and her husband Matthew E. Griffin.