Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Bill Chaney
Oct 4th, 1929 - Sep 28th, 2024William “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