Ludowici’s Mayor Pro Tem Marvin H. “Mark” Chesser, 78, passed away Sept. 25, in Wayne Memorial Hospital, according to an online obituary posted by Howard Funeral Home. He was elected to the Ludowici City Council in 2012.

 “We lost a valuable servant to our community,” Mayor Jim Fuller told the Courier last Friday. “From my standpoint, I’ve lost a friend. Mark served tirelessly and did a great job.”

Fuller said city officials and staff’s prayers go out to Chesser’s family during this difficult time.

Born in Nahunta, Chesser had lived in Long County for 38 years, states his obituary. He was a retired OTR truck driver for nearly 40 years and had driven a school bus for Long County. Chesser had also worked as a funeral assistant with Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici since 2014. He was a member of Ludowici First Baptist Church, the Emmett Patterson Sunday school class, was active in the men’s ministry, and had driven the church van for Wednesday evening activities for several years, the obit stated.  An outdoorsman, Chesser enjoyed hunting and fishing. Chesser was buried in Middleton Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery. His full obituary can be viewed on Legacy and on page 3A of the print Courier.

Ludowici city officials have confirmed a special election will be held on March 24 to serve the rest of Chesser’s term on council. Until that date, the mayor and city council are seeking a qualified individual to appoint to Chesser’s vacant seat.