Lamont Chess Mobile Alabama Obituary: Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
Lamont Chess, a beloved son, husband, father, and friend, left us far too soon. On September 25th, 2024, the community of Mobile, Alabama, said goodbye to a man whose life was marked by love, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. His presence in the lives of many created an indelible mark, and the legacy he leaves behind is a testament to a life well-lived.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 15th, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama, Lamont Chess was the second of four children. Raised in a close-knit family, Lamont learned the values of hard work and integrity from a young age. His parents, Samuel and Gloria Chess, instilled in him a love for family and an appreciation for life’s simple joys. As a child, Lamont excelled in school and found a deep love for chess, a game that would later shape his life in profound ways.
Lamont attended Theodore High School, where he stood out not just academically, but as a team player in extracurricular activities. His teachers often praised him for his leadership skills and his kind-hearted nature. He graduated with honors in 1988 and went on to pursue a degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama.
A Passion for Chess
One of the greatest passions in Lamont’s life was chess. From a young age, he was captivated by the game’s complexity and the mental fortitude it required. His early fascination blossomed into a lifelong love. Throughout his youth, Lamont competed in local chess tournaments, earning accolades for his strategic brilliance and sportsmanship.
After college, Lamont combined his love for chess with his entrepreneurial spirit. He founded the Mobile Chess Club in 1996, offering classes and tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. The club became a haven for chess enthusiasts in the Mobile area. Through it, Lamont mentored countless young players, inspiring a new generation to embrace the game. He was known not just for his skill, but for his patience and his ability to teach the game in a way that was accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
His contributions to the world of chess were widely recognized. In 2010, he received the prestigious Alabama Chess Educator Award, solidifying his place as a key figure in the local chess community. More than just a game to him, chess was a means of building community and teaching life lessons about patience, strategy, and resilience.
A Loving Husband and Devoted Father
Lamont met the love of his life, Carolyn James, in 1995. They shared an instant connection, bound by their love of learning and a deep respect for each other’s ambitions. The couple married in 1998 and spent 26 beautiful years together. Carolyn recalls Lamont as a devoted partner who was always her rock. “He had this quiet strength about him,” she shared. “No matter what challenges we faced, Lamont always approached everything with calm and confidence.”
Together, they built a life centered on love and mutual support. Lamont was a doting father to their two children, Marcus and Leah. He made sure to be present at every milestone—whether it was a school recital, a soccer game, or a chess tournament. His children remember him as a patient and loving father, always willing to offer guidance and encouragement. He shared his passion for chess with them as well, though more than anything, he wanted them to find their own passions and follow their hearts.
“He taught us the importance of thinking before acting, whether it was in a chess game or in life,” Marcus said. “But most of all, he taught us the value of love and kindness.”
A Leader in the Community
Lamont’s contributions extended far beyond his family and his love for chess. He was a pillar in the Mobile community, always willing to lend a hand or offer guidance. Whether through his work as a local business owner or through volunteer efforts, Lamont believed in giving back. He regularly organized charity chess events, raising funds for local schools and educational programs.
His leadership in the community was marked by quiet humility. He never sought recognition for his efforts, yet his impact was undeniable. Lamont was a member of several civic organizations, including the Mobile Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club. He also volunteered as a mentor for at-risk youth, using chess as a tool to teach discipline and critical thinking.
His friends and neighbors remember him as a man of integrity, always willing to go the extra mile to help others. “Lamont was the kind of person who saw the best in everyone,” said longtime friend Robert Jennings. “He never judged, and he never gave up on anyone. He believed in people, and that belief made you want to be better.”
Facing Adversity with Grace
In 2018, Lamont was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Though the diagnosis came as a shock to his family and friends, Lamont faced it with the same calm resilience he applied to every aspect of his life. He continued to live fully, focusing on the things that mattered most—his family, his friends, and his love for chess. He continued to run the Mobile Chess Club, even as he underwent treatment, never letting the illness define him.
His battle with cancer was a testament to his strength and determination. He approached it with grace, never losing hope or his positive outlook on life. His family supported him every step of the way, and together they navigated the challenges with love and courage.
Carolyn shared, “Even in the hardest moments, Lamont was our source of strength. He never let us feel defeated. He kept his faith, and he kept us grounded. I’m so proud of how he handled everything.”
A Legacy of Love and Learning
Lamont Chess’s legacy is one of love, learning, and unwavering kindness. He touched the lives of so many through his generosity, his teachings, and his example of how to live life with purpose. His impact will continue to be felt in the community, particularly in the chess world where he inspired so many.
One of the most profound ways his legacy will endure is through the annual chess scholarship he established for young players. Each year, a deserving student will have the opportunity to receive support in their educational journey, a testament to Lamont’s belief in the power of learning and mentorship.
His family and friends will always remember the warmth of his smile, the wisdom of his words, and the way he made every person feel valued. “He lived his life with such purpose,” Carolyn reflected. “He wasn’t just living for himself—he was living for all of us.”
Final Goodbye
Lamont Chess was laid to rest on September 29th, 2024, in a private ceremony attended by family, close friends, and the chess community he held so dear. The outpouring of love and support from the community has been overwhelming, a reflection of just how much he meant to those who knew him.
At the funeral, his children gave moving eulogies, each recounting cherished memories of their father. Leah, his daughter, spoke of how he was more than a father—he was a mentor and her greatest champion. “He never let us doubt ourselves,” she said. “He made us believe we could do anything.”
His son Marcus echoed similar sentiments, recalling their countless hours spent together playing chess. “He taught me that life is like chess. You have to be patient, you have to think ahead, but most of all, you have to be kind.”
Though Lamont is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His family, friends, and the countless people he impacted through chess will carry his memory forward, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Conclusion
In a world often filled with challenges, Lamont Chess stood as a beacon of light. His life serves as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. Though his time with us was cut short, the mark he made on the world will never fade.
Lamont Chess’s story is one of a life well-lived, a life that continues to inspire and uplift even after his passing. We celebrate his memory and honor his legacy—a legacy of love, kindness, and the pursuit of knowledge. Rest in peace, Lamont Chess. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.