Chip Rousey

Mr. Henry Clyde "Chip" Rousey, Jr., 55, of Tate Street, Elberton, left this life on Friday, May 15, 2015. Although sudden and unexpected, Chip's passing was in the manner in which he would have wanted: peacefully and pain free with his best friend and the love of his life, Tracey, by his side.

Born in California on March 8, 1960, he was the son of Henry C. "Sonny" Rousey, Sr. and the late Adetha Mae Thomason Rousey, and was a proud Scotsman. He was a 1978 graduate of Elbert County High School where he played both football and baseball. Chip earned an Associates Degree from the Atlanta Art Institution in 1981. A man of great artistic ability, Chip spent the last several years of his life working to better the granite industry's drafting programs, and was currently employed by Star Granite & Bronze. He was a superb etcher, sculpture, and draftsman, and the first cad system operator for the granite industry. Chip's love for his community found him serving on various boards, including the Elbert County Recreation Department Board and Elbert County Democratic Committee where he served as chairman. He was elected by his community to serve on the Elbert County School Board, and did faithfully for four years. His vibrant personality showed in everything he did, and he was well-known and respected for passionately fighting for what he believed in. Mr. Rousey was a member and former Sunday School teacher of First Baptist Church in Elberton and attended Antioch Baptist Church. He was also a member of Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25.

Left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife of 33 years, Tracey Colquitt Rousey of the home; children and their spouses: Ashley and Daniel Thompson of Elberton, Cara and Brandon Bowen of Elberton, and Wesley and Allison Rousey of Milledgeville; grandchildren: Cameron McKay, Vivi Mae, and Lila Estelle; father and step-mother, Henry C., Sr. "Sonny" and Barbara Rousey of Elberton; sister and brother-in-law, Sharron and Gregg Walker and their daughters Tara and Jessi of Monroe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Troy and Estelle Harris Colquitt of Elberton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Marlee Colquitt and their son, Campbell of Elberton; aunt and uncles: Susan R. and John Sexton, J.M. Thomason, and Harley Thomason, all of Elberton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Rather than mourning his death, Chip would want us to celebrate his life. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, May 18, at 6:00p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Elberton with Rev. Ken Thrift officiating. Masonic rites will be performed by Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25. The family is at the home on Tate Street and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00p.m. on Sunday evening.

Flowers are optional; contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605.

Share your stories and photos in Chip's Book of Memories at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Henry Clyde "Chip" Rousey, Jr.