James E. Chamblee, Sr.

James Ernest Chamblee Sr., 88, was born on February 20, 1937, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Sherman and Hattie Chamblee, who preceded him in death. He entered the presence of his Savior surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, prayer, strength, joy, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clara May Chamblee; his parents; his siblings Clara “Laverne” Wheeler, Alfred “Sonny” Chamblee, and David Chamblee; and one cherished grandchild.

He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Pennington; his four children: James, Wanda, Lou (Roy), and Elena (Paul). His life continues through a large and growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He was blessed with many grandchildren, including one precious grandchild waiting to arrive, and he carried each of them in his heart and in his daily prayers. Though one grandchild was welcomed into heaven before him, the love he had for every one of them remains part of his enduring legacy.

Ernest truly never met a stranger. Whether in a grocery store, church, hospital room, or on a simple walk, he had a way of making people feel seen and valued. He was the true definition of a Godly man. Gentle in spirit, kind, steady, patient, and full of grace, he showed love even when it was not deserved and modeled forgiveness, humility, and strength through every season of his life.

But Ernest was not only a man of prayer and principle. He was also full of joy. He was funny, loved to joke around, and found delight in laughter. He enjoyed making others smile and had a way of lightening even heavy moments with humor. His laughter was warm and contagious and brought comfort to those around him. Even in difficult seasons, he reminded his family that joy and faith can live side by side.

In his final weeks, his family heard what had always been the foundation of his life, prayer. He prayed over each of his children by name, lifting up their marriages, their struggles, and asking God to bless and protect them. He prayed for every grandchild by name, asking the Lord to guide them, guard their hearts, and draw them close to Him. He prayed for unity and love to flow through his family. He prayed for those who did not yet know Jesus. And to every person he encountered, he shared the hope and truth of Christ without hesitation.

Even in his last days, he carried peace. When his family worried, he reassured them. When hearts were heavy, he pointed them toward heaven. His faith was not just something he spoke about. It was something he lived daily. He led his family in Biblical truth and love with gentleness and consistency.

For many of us, Ernest was our hero. He was our steady place, our encourager, and our covering in prayer. His absence leaves an ache, but his example leaves a path. The seeds of faith he planted continue to grow in the generations that follow him.

His legacy is not only found in the family he leaves behind, but in the prayers he prayed, the love he extended so freely, and the laughter he shared so generously.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

A visitation to honor and celebrate James’ life will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., also at the funeral home, with burial to follow at 3:30 p.m. at Social Hill Cemetery.