Chester Cline Baity, 92, of 5311 Masonic Terrace, Richmond, Va., died Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at the Masonic Home of Virginia.

He was born to Jacob Wesley and Lula Underwood Baity on July 11, 1919 in Thomasville, N.C., where he grew up. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1937. He spent most of his life as a resident of Virginia. He served in World War II in the Navy aboard the USS Henry W. Tucker. Chester owned and operated Baity Upholstery in Hampton, Va.

Upon retirement he moved to Gwynn’s Island. Earning his pilot’s license and flying his Luscombe aircraft was a highlight of his life. He was a member of Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member of Oriental Lodge No. 20 AF & AM, Mathews, Va., and the Scottish Rite of Newport News, Va., receiving the honor of the 32nd degree of the K.C.C.H.

On Oct. 5, 1963 he married Margaret Mitchem Baity. After residing in Gwynn’s Island for awhile they moved to the Masonic Home of Virginia in Richmond.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Baity; two sisters, Clarice Baity Miller of Trinity, N.C., and Rachel Baity Cranford of Thomasville, N.C., several nieces and one nephew.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. in Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church with the Rev. David Patton officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment followed in Gwynn’s Island Cemetery with Taps and Masonic graveside rites.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Chester’s memory to The Masonic Home of VA, 500 Masonic Lane, Richmond, Va. 23223 or to Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church, P.O. Box 26, Gwynn, Va. 23066.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, was in charge of the arrangements.