John Chester Ravenell,fourth son of the late Mayo Wallace Ravenell and Katie Bell Henderson Ravenell was born September 13, 1940 in Reevesville, SC.  He entered into eternal rest on May 4, 2020 at 11:50 p.m. at the St. George Medical Center.

He attended the public schools in Dorchester County.

John joined St. Matthew Baptist Church as a young man and served on  the Usher Board.  He was employed by Republic Construction Company and worked building bridges until he retired.

John was a skilled musician who learned to play and read music on his own.  He got his inspiration from country and western music stations and the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights.  He played guitar for local groups such as the Heavenly Gospel Singers, Grover, SC, the Mighty Gospel Voices, St. George, SC, the Gospel Rollettes and the Golden Bell Quartet of Reevesville, SC.  He finally became the lead bass player for the Silver Stars of Holly Hill, SC where he played for more than thirty years traveling as far north as New York City and south to the Florida pan-handle.

John was a jack-of-all trade.  He was a mechanic, carpenter and an electrician all rolled into one.  He did all his mechanical repairs until cars became computerized.  He was often called a loner.  He enjoyed his solitude, but loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  On Sundays, you could often find him making the rounds to the cousins in Branchville.  In his last days, he told the medical team at Trident Hospital how his "Baby Girl" was going to take care of him when he got home.  He was proud of her becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy.

He leaves to cherish fond memories; a loving daughter, Dr. Teknika K. Tucker of Eutawville, SC; three brothers, Mayo Ravenell of Amityville, NY, Ervin (Evelyn) Ravenell of New York City and Floyd (Delores) Ravenell of St. George, SC; three sisters, Catherine Mosely of New York City, Evelyn Washington of Summerville, SC and Edith Ravenell of St. George, SC; two grandchildren, My'Kimbri M. Middleton and Michael A. Darby; an adopted granddaughter, Markaya E. Shuler all of Eutawville, SC; a lifelong friend, Gladys Tucker of Eutawville, SC; one aunt, Henrietta West of Branchville, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, numerous cousin and friends.