Chester (Fred) H. Gifford, 82, of Tampa, Florida was taken home to be with the Lord on May 26, 2023.

He was born on June 1, 1940, in Tampa, Florida to Herman Gifford and Alice Bruce Gifford.

He was the eldest of three children born to Herman and Alice Gifford of Tampa, Florida on June 1, 1940. He was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa and grew up and attended Chamberlain High School. All three of Chester's sons would go on to graduate from Chamberlain High School as well. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958-1963. He returned to Tampa from the Marines where he met and married Jessie Gifford. They would raise the three boys mostly in Tampa with a brief time spent in the late 70's in Leesburg, Ohio. As the boys were growing up the family would spend many summer vacations in the Great Smokey Mountains. Chester passed away while visiting the mountains one last time with his family over Memorial Day weekend. His greatest joy was spending his time with family and watching his granddaughters grow, Blaise Gifford, Emily Gifford, and Megan Gifford. He was a devoted Christian, Father, Grandfather, and Uncle and will be greatly missed by his family.

He was proceeded in death by his youngest son, Timothy Gifford, and Jessie Gifford (ex-spouse).

He is survived by his two sons; Robert Gifford and William Gifford; two sisters, Wanda Malinchak and Darlene Cabinaw; granddaughters, Blaise Gifford, Emily Gifford and Megan Gifford along with special nieces, nephews, sister in-law and brother in-law and other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at the Woodlawn (Gifford) Cemetery in Woodlawn, Texas on Saturday, June 24th at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to your local Veterans Charity.