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Oct 4th, 1929 - Sep 28th, 2024There will be no services.
Private interment will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora
William “Bill” Frederick Chaney Jr., age 94, of Flora, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 4, 1929, in Flora, the son of William Frederick and Opal Fern (Greenwood) Chaney. He married Donna Robertson in 1951, and together they have celebrated 73 wedding anniversaries. They were the parents of three children: Brax, Terry, and Jay.
Bill attended Flora High School and McEndree College where he played football. He served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Flora United Methodist Church.
His career path included many various ventures. Together with his business partner and long-time friend, Bill Seelman, they owned and operated Bill’s Cleaners in Flora. He became a real estate broker and owned and operated Chaney Real Estate for many years. In his “spare time” he fulfilled his dream of farming and raising cattle.
Bill enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a benefactor to the Flora Little League program for many years. He also enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. Many weekends included gathering with family and groups of friends for a day of fellowship, water skiing, and enjoying cookouts. Another favorite past-time was traveling to Branson with family and friends to enjoy the shows.
Bill was one of the most interesting people that Flora has ever known. He had an excellent memory and was a remarkable storyteller. Everyone enjoyed listening to him reminisce of the past and his life in Flora throughout the years. He will be remembered for his generosity, kind demeanor, and deep love for his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son: Brax Chaney; grandson: Josh Bailey; and a sister: Jean Shehorn.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife: Donna Chaney; his children: Terry (Sam) Bailey and Jay (Kim) Chaney; 4 grandchildren: Seth Bailey, Emily (Steve) Stortzum, Hannah Chaney, and Ryan Chaney; 4 great-grandchildren: Jacob Bailey, and Molly, Cameron, and Hattie Stortzum; a brother: Mike (June) Chaney; and many friends.
He was such an important part of our lives and his passing leaves a huge hole in the fabric of our lives. We were always so proud of him, and always knew we could depend on him for good advice, love, and support, no matter what. If we could give him something in return it would be the love we will always hold in our hearts for him.
There will be no services. Private interment will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Full Armor Christian Academy in Louisville, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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The Bryden family and the Chaney family many years back in the town of Flora, I remember when the original Chinese cleaners had to be demolished because it was made unsafe after ThrogmortanPowless buildings caved in, Bill invited several of his best friends to his house where he fixed us a breakfast of biscuits and gravy and sausage. I enjoyed the stories that he told sometimes we both get to Lassens hard, told me about being an Air Force, and I tried to teach him to fly while things. I did several jobs for him before he sold real estate, I worked hard for him and his Cheney real estate business tore a bunch of stuff off the walls when there were some kind of a form termite eating the brick mortar after that was fixed at Donna suggestion we just leave the brick wall to show and the wooden rail my dad told me they put in for Coat hangers. That building an old Auto Part’s door and up in the attic I found cans of 1920 Prestone, and a free skins also a bunch of oil cans that had biplanes pictured on it. I'm thankful for two weeks before he passed. I talk to him for a long time on the phone and told him that I would be praying to relieve his problems. Rest in peace, my friend Bill, you deserve it through what you've been, offer my sincere condolences and the entire family.
So sorry for your family’s loss. Bill was always very thankful and had good life stories to tell. He will be greatly missed.
Always enjoyed talking will Bill! He always had a smile when he came in the office! More recently enjoyed visiting with he and Donna while delivering Meals on Wheels!
So sorry to here about Bill ! It is very tough to loose a Loved one and me and my family will be keeping you all in our prayers..The main thing we that our still here living in this sinful world to do is keep our thoughts and prayers on Jesus he is comming back soon and we will see our Loved ones that have gone on before us ..Keep looking up until!!!
Bill, you will be missed. You were always such a joy to be around, always had a smile and a friendly hello. Praying for comfort,many blessings, and many wonderful memories for your loved ones, and friends.
With deepest sympathy! So very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Brad Baker
Donna, Terry and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. What a wonderful family I remember. Now Bill is with his son and loved ones in heaven. I know you all will be comforted by our Lord at this time. Please know how very sorry I am for your loss.
So sorry to hear this Bill was a great guy
My sympathy to the family on the loss of Bill. Although I'm no longer a Chaney in name...I am in heart with the family. Big hugs❤️
So sorry to hear prayers for family and friends. Bill was a friend that I always enjoyed talking with.
Oh my dear neighbor and friend, I will miss you so much. We've been through so many times together, good and bad, but always happy to have you there. Will be so happy for the day we can all meet again.
Donna, Terry, Jay so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Bill was my baseball coach at various levels and always made the game fun. Having stayed in touch through the years we shared a lot of laughs and good times. He was part of the McDonald's breakfast club where we solved the worlds problems on a daily basis. Will sure miss his story telling and infectious laugh. Rest in peace my friend.
Rest in Peace dearest Bill🕊️ Our sincere condolences to Terri and Jay, their families and to Mike and his family.
Terry & Family, Mike & Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Bill❣️
This man inspired me the moment I met him and continued to my entire time knowing him. He was a true blessing from God and what a joyous thing to know he finally made it home! Prayers to the entire family.❤️🙏
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
