Rev. Manuel "J.R." Chavier, Jr., 72, of New Bedford passed peacefully to his eternal dwelling place March 12, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Almeda L. (Hyde) Chavier.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Rev. Dr. Manuel Chavier, Sr. and Elizabeth G. (McKenney) Chavier. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University, then returned to live in New Bedford and was an associate pastor at New Bedford International Church of the Nazarene (ICN). He accepted a Nazarene church assignment in Bermuda where he lived and pastored for eight years and also served as a civilian chaplain at Naval Air Station Bermuda for a time. He returned to New Bedford in 1996 and continued pastoring alongside his dad at ICN before becoming the senior pastor until his retirement in 2012. Upon retirement, he served at Tremont Temple Baptist Church in Boston, in the sound ministry and men's ministry until he could no longer commute.

Known affectionately as Pastor JR to those he served, he was passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone in his path, and he loved people with compassion and tenderness. JR instantaneously warmed the hearts of those he met and never met a stranger. He was known for his signature and electric smile, never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, and he maintained a 'no worry' attitude through all his life's journeys. Though Multiple Sclerosis made it challenging for him to walk, he was always on the move and was often seen zipping around the city on his segway. He showed others that no obstacle was too great to overcome. Through his perseverance and unwavering dedication to the Lord's work, many lives were changed in the community and within his own home.

He enjoyed listening to great music (especially in high-definition surround sound) and shared close friendships with renown singers/musicians in the gospel community. He loved to travel and always made sure his family enjoyed wonderful vacations together. Married for 44 years, he was deeply in love with and devoted to his wife and always stated that they were a team. He was a proud adoring father and enjoyed sharing in his daughters' life adventures. Survivors include his wife Almeda; 2 daughters, Jessica Chavier and Dr. Monica Chavier of Bluffton, SC; a sister, Ruth Gomes and her husband Rev. Dr. Edmund Gomes of Lynchburg, VA; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 10 AM at the International Church of the Nazarene, 286 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Visiting hours will be on Friday, March 21st from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made by donating to the National MS Society as a tribute in memory of Manual J. Chavier, Jr. by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org, or by mailing a gift in his honor to:
National MS Society
P.O. Box 91891
Washington, D.C. 20090-1891