Willard Hugh Gilbert “Gil” Chancey, 79, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away May 10, 2021.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marie; his loving sons and daughters-in-laws, Monty and Karen Chancey and Jony and Christina Chancey; and his grandchildren, Cadence, Kynlee, and Sarah Grace. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Delores and David Gibbs; his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Barbara Chancey; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Myrtle Chancey.
Gil was born in Copperhill, in 1942, where he grew up as the son of a copper miner. Later, he moved to Mineral Bluff, where his mother and father owned Chancey Grocery. Gil graduated from East Fannin High School in 1959, where he was captain of the football team and voted “Best All-Round.” He went on to attend Carson Newman College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
After college, Gil went to Riverton, Wyoming, where he worked as a uranium miner until he was drafted into the Army. Gil was stationed in Germany. While in the service, he married Marie Panter, who joined him in Germany. After returning to the States, the Chancey’s lived in Tacoma, Washington, where Gil was a member of the Army Crash Rescue Squad. After being discharged from the Army, they returned to Georgia. Eventually, Gil and Marie moved to Ringgold, where Gil took a job with the Catoosa County Health Department until his retirement. Gil enjoyed watching his sons play sports, fishing, playing cards, gardening, and cooking family dinners.
The family received friends Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Heritage Funeral Home located at 3239 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, 30742.
A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at J.P. Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery in Blue Ridge with interment immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Gil’s name to your favorite charity.