Chester Earl Lemon

Chester Earl “Chet” Lemon, born on February 12, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Compton, California, was a beloved husband, father, Major League Baseball All-Star, devoted mentor, and faithful servant of Jehovah. He passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, at his home in Apopka, Florida. He was 70 years old.

Chet is survived by his loving wife, Gigi; his children Brianna, Marcus, David, and Chester Jr. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Lemon. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former teammates, and mentees whose lives he touched.

Chet’s journey into professional baseball was driven by his natural talent, relentless work ethic, and deep competitive spirit. Drafted in the first round of the 1972 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics, he made his Major League debut in 1975 with the Chicago White Sox. Known for his fearless play and defensive brilliance, he set an American League record with 512 outfield putouts in 1977—a record that still stands today.

In 1981, he joined the Detroit Tigers, where he became a central figure on the team that would go on to win the 1984 World Series. Over a 16-year MLB career, Chet compiled a .273 batting average, 215 home runs, 884 RBIs, and three All-Star selections. He was respected not only for his talent but for his leadership, humility, and fierce determination.

After retiring from professional baseball, Chet brought that passion to Florida, where he started travel baseball. He founded the Chet Lemon School of Baseball and launched the respected Chet Lemon’s Juice travel program, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and grow both on and off the field. But his influence extended far beyond the sport. Through his guidance, countless young people—whether athletes or not—were encouraged to pursue excellence in every area of life. Many of those he mentored went on to succeed not only in professional baseball, but in business, education, healthcare, public service, and other fields. Chet believed in the potential of young people and poured himself into helping them build meaningful, principled lives.

A devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Chet’s faith was the foundation of everything he did. His spiritual values shaped the way he treated others—with kindness, patience, and love—and gave him strength during difficult times, including his 1990 diagnosis with polycythemia vera and strokes he faced later in life. Despite these challenges, his unwavering commitment to serving others and honoring Jehovah never wavered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chet Lemon Foundation, which carries forward his lifelong mission of supporting youth through sports and personal development:

Chet Lemon leaves behind a legacy of excellence, faith, and compassion. His impact will be felt for generations—in the game he loved, the lives he shaped, and the principles he lived by every day.

Stafford & Simon Family Funeral Home, Orlando Chapel serving.

Please click here to RSVP for the Celebration of Life

Service: Thursday, May 22, 2025

6:00PM

The Big House

1544 Lane Park Cutoff Rd., Tavares, FL. 32778