Edward Gary Chumley

Dr. Edward Gary Chumley passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his beloved wife and family following complications from a chronic illness.

He was born on November 26, 1944, in Greenwood, Mississippi, and lived a life defined by faith, service, and generosity. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served honorably from 1963 to 1967, including service during the Vietnam War. The values of integrity, sacrifice, and dedication that he learned as a Marine remained with him throughout his life and were evident in the way he cared for his family, served his patients, and treated those around him.

Following his military service, Dr. Chumley used the GI bill to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. He also worked on a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee and Louisiana Tech, before pursuing a career in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 1982. Dr. Chumley spent more than forty years caring for patients in northwest Louisiana. Because he believed that everyone deserved access to quality healthcare, he devoted the last half of his dental career to founding a nonprofit healthcare organization, CASSE Community Health Institute, and devoted his remaining years to serving Medicare and Medicaid patients and others who might otherwise go without care. He generously gave large sums of money to fund the activities of the healthcare nonprofit. He genuinely cared about each person who sat in his chair and held a deep affection and appreciation for the employees who worked alongside him through the years. To many, he was more than a dentist; he was a trusted friend, a compassionate listener, and a source of encouragement.

Dr. Chumley’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved, whether gathered around the dinner table sharing stories, hunting, fishing, or simply watching Auburn versus Alabama in football. No matter the activity, his presence brought warmth, laughter, and comfort to those around him.

A man of deep Christian faith, Dr. Chumley faithfully read his Bible and prayed every day. He was a member of First Baptist Bossier, but as he grew more and more ill in later life, he enjoyed watching the televised services of Broadmoor Baptist Church. His faith in Jesus Christ was not simply something he professed—it was something he lived. His kindness, compassion, and concern for others reflected the love of his Lord and Savior in countless ways throughout his life.

Gary never met a stranger. His personality was truly one of a kind. He possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. His kindness was abundant, his generosity seemingly endless, and his concern for others sincere and heartfelt. He loved his family, his friends, his patients, his coworkers, and all those whose lives crossed his path. Those who knew him were better for having spent time with him.

Dr. Chumley is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Chumley; his sons, Mark Chumley, Mark’s wife, Chrystal, Jonathan Chumley, Ethan Chumley, and Ethan’s wife, Bailey; his cherished grandchildren, Katherine Chumley Cox, Katherine’s husband, Carter Cox, Spencer Chumley, Jacob Chumley, Holland Chumley, Brady Chumley and his great-grandchildren, Sadie and Grant Cox.

He is also survived by his brother, Michael Chumley, Michael’s wife, Wynona, his brother, Ricky Chumley, Ricky’s wife, Paulette, and his sister, Patricia Vickery all of whom live in Georgia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his cousins, Norris Chumley and Ellen Chumley from New York City as well as Hayes Chumley from Bloomington, Indiana.

The loss of Dr. Chumley leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. He will never be replaced, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, patients, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Yet his legacy lives on through the nonprofit that he co-founded with his wife as well as in the countless lives he touched, the family he loved so deeply, and the faith that guided him throughout his life. The family takes comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully loved and served.

A special debt of gratitude is owed to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Pierremont Willis Knighton Hospital where Dr. Chumley spent the last days of his life. The family is deeply appreciative for the loving care provided to him, especially by the nursing staff, Dayton, Keke and Heather. Thank you for the care you gave to him.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening, June 25, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and the funeral service will be conducted on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM. All services will be conducted at Southside Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Charles (Chuck) Madden, Dr. Chumley’s brother-in-law, will officiate the service. The pallbearers will be Mark Chumley, Jonathan Chumley, Ethan Chumley, Spencer Chumley, Jacob Chumley, and Carter Cox.

The family will attend the burial service which is to take place at the Bistineau Baptist Church Cemetery in Heflin, Louisiana, following the funeral service at Rose-Neath in Shreveport, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a gift to Broadmoor Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 4110 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA. 71105 or to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607-3000 or to Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 3949, Shreveport, LA  71133-3949 – all charities to which Dr. Chumley donated.