GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The Gainesville City Commission has taken steps to immortalize a local civil rights leader.
Charles S. Chestnut III died Monday at the age of 83.
On Thursday, the commission voted to name a portion of 8th Avenue between Northwest 6th Street and Waldo Road as Charles S. Chestnut III Avenue.
Chestnut was the spouse of current city commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut. He served as an Alachua County commissioner and the first Black member elected to the Alachua County School Board.
OBITUARY: Charles S. Chestnut III, former Alachua County Commissioner and civil rights leader, dies at 83
“Words cannot truly express my appreciation to my colleagues, but also appreciation from the Chestnut family for this beautiful tribute and honor to my husband, and keeper of the dream, Charles S. Chestnut III,” said Chestnut’s wife. “Thank you for helping to keep the dream alive with this tribute.”
The city says the late Chestnut led efforts to integrate Gainesville businesses and public accommodations in the 1960s and spearheaded a countywide campaign to help Black residents register to vote.
The section of road being renamed holds special significance for the Chestnuts. The family’s funeral business is located at 18 Northwest 8th Avenue. It was founded in 1914 and has been owned and operated by generations of the Chestnut family.
The city says public works staff will begin replacing 68 road signs along the designated section of 8th Avenue next week. Work is expected to be finished by Dec. 15.
Celebration of Life
The family has announced funeral arrangements which includes three separate visitations:
Visitations
Thursday, Dec. 14 – 3:30-6:30 p.m.
New Mt. Pisgah AME Church
345 NE Washington St.
Lake City
Friday, Dec. 15 – 3:30-6:30 p.m.
New St. John Missionary Baptist Church
2251 NW 2nd St.
Ocala
Sunday, Dec. 17 – 2-7 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church
Gainesville
Monday, Dec. 18
1:00 p.m.
Phillips Center For Performing Arts
3201 Hull Rd.
Gainesville
Share your condolences to the family on the funeral home’s tribute wall or leave them here.