Christopher Arbon Priester

Comedian Christopher Arbon Priester, better known as Chris, was born on September 23, 1971, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Arbon and Clara Priester. The baby of the family, Chris’ parents and sister, Brenda, cherished him and made him the center of attention. Chris was raised in 33311’s “Golden Heights” neighborhood. He attended Four Star Nursery School, Broward County Public Schools’ Lloyd Estates Elementary, Everglades Middle, and Northeast High School (N.H.S.), from which he graduated in 1989. As a teenager he was a leader. He was voted “Most Witty” by his Senior Class. He was a member of the Northeast High football and basketball team and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). He loved to wear the uniform to school. He had fond memories of his formative years and the special friendships and bonds that he made. . He came from a church-going family, so after school hours were spent in youth ministry programs at New Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. G.E. Weaver and Dr. Mack King Carter. Chris became devoted to a tight knit collective known as “Weaver Kids.” Born a charmer with an eloquent, witty, beautiful mind, church provided an opportunity to display his natural talent in plays, oratorical competitions and on special occasions. Expanding his interests into other ministries at church, Chris participated in the Cherubs and Youth Choir, Boys Scouts of America and later found his way to the young adult choir. “He was always in front of an audience,” said his sister Brenda. “I was at church all the time,” Chris liked to joke when talking about his involvement in the Baptist Training Union (BTU). He loved church and did not miss the annual Southern Baptist Convention, an opportunity to worship and reconnect with countless friends. Christopher’s post-secondary education began in Tallahassee, Florida in 1989, at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Chris was a member of the college’s well-travelled Gospel Choir. Chris completed college at Miami’s historical Florida Memorial University (FMU), from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Christopher began his teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Village Elementary School. He was lovingly referred to as “Kindergarten Cop” by the Village community because of how he towered over his students, due to his tall stature. Chris went on to serve at a number of schools in the district in a teaching career that spanned from the tiniest students to youth of all ages. He established life-long bonds with his students and their families. His natural ability to mentor and coach, has led to community roles across South Florida as a referee, coach, program director, and father figure to many. Through his natural ability to inspire, “Coach Chris” assisted many scholar athletes with attaining scholarships to various high schools and post-secondary schools across the United States. Chris had very strong values and carried himself with honesty and integrity. He had a deep belief in family. Chris would eventually find, Cormic, the love of his life. He proposed to Cormic and the rest is their story is history. Cormic and Chris made solemn vows to each other on February 5, 2005, to love, honor and cherish each other for life. Chris was her King for well past a quarter of a century, 18 of which were spent in wedded matrimony, so much so, that they were inseparable. Chris encouraged her to be the very best person she could be. Cormic just let Chris be himself, she nurtured and supported his dreams. Chris was “Super Dad” to his sons, Devaughn, and Dillon. He always took an active role in their lives. Chris and Devaughn, his eldest son, were joined at the hip for many years. Chris was more than Devaughn’s father, he was his coach, his mentor, his best friend, and Devaughn’s greatest fan. Eventually, Chris and Cormic would expand their family. In November of 2010, Dillon Christopher was born. Dillon and his dad are kindred spirits, due to their quick wit, beautiful smiles, and ability to never meet a stranger. Dillon is a living replica of Chris in every way while Devaughn inherited his father’s kind, giving and unselfish spirit. Chris loved his boys with all his heart. For those who encountered Chris, knew he had a huge infectious personality that would brighten a room upon his entrance, often owning the room. Chris grew up knowing he was funny and his father encouraged this gift by making him imitate tv personalities, such as Howard Cosell. Chris had a knack for saying just the right thing, at the right time. Natural comedic timing was on display in almost every conversation that he would have with family and friends. Chris began to share his talent as “CJ from the Hood” as a regular caller to The Hank Goldberg talk radio show on WQAM 560. He would share his diverse perspective or “data” with South Florida’s listeners. Chris’ strong faith and religious upbringing ultimately led him to step out on faith and pursue comedy. In 2016, Chris was overheard by Rickey Smiley in the church parking lot. At that very moment, “Chris Priester, The Teacher” was manifested. Chris’s first stage appearance took place that year at the Hard Rock Improv in Hollywood, Florida. In 2017, Marvin Dixon bestowed Chris the title of professional comedian. This title opened doors for his comedic career. “The Teacher” as he was known, brought his unique perspective as an elementary school teacher to the stage. Chris was well known and respected as the ultimate storyteller. Chris had only been on stage for a few years and had already headlined at The Funny Stop in Ohio. He headlined and opened for notable comedians such as Rickey Smiley, DeRay Davis, Corey Holcombe, Jess Hilarious, Marvin Dixon, Donnell Rawlings, Eddie Griffin, and Tiffany Haddish. Chris was multi-faceted in his ability to link quick-wit and real-life experiences to his comedy. As a result, “UNC”, which he referred to as a cool dude over 40, was manifest. Chris was the President of UNC Life Entertainment, LLC, which provided live entertainment and birthed his lifestyle apparel, known as UNC LIFE. Chris reigned as champion of various comedy competitions. In 2018, he was crowned as the “Ultimate Miami Comedian” and “Best in Boca Comedian”. As the President of UNC Life Entertainment, L.L.C. he had the unique opportunity to partner with various cities to provide quality entertainment to their residents, such as The City of Oakland Park, The City of Pompano Beach, and The City of Fort Lauderdale, to provide entertainment, most notably, he launched Lauderhill Live in partnership with The City of Lauderhill in 2021. “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Isaiah 35:10. Chris is preceded in death by his father Arbon Priester. Chris is survived by his devoted and loving wife Cormic Priester and precious sons Devaughn and Dillon. Mother, Clara Walters Priester and his sister, Brenda Priester Fo (Darran) and a host of nieces Travisa, Trakiya, Sydnee, Danasia, Danielle, Destiny, Satoria, Shakiyah, Tya, Peyton and his only nephew Darran. Chris also has two great nephews, Travis and Amir and a great niece, Samiya. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.

Christopher Arbon Priester

September 23, 1971 - February 23, 2023