Marvin Lee "Bill" Chaney

28Nov1934 – 12Jan2025

Bill was born in Douglas, Georgia. While working in the southern heat on his family's tobacco farm he saw a plane fly low overhead practicing a flame out/ engine out landing. Witnessing this kindled a dream in Bill to become a pilot. He would go on to attend Georgia Tech from 1952-1955, enter the United States Navy Aviation Cadet Program in 1955, and commission as a Designated Naval Aviator in 1956. Over the course of his illustrious Naval career he flew a number of aircraft including the F-4  Phantom II, F3H Demon, F6F Hellcat, F-8 Crusader, F-9 Cougar, F9F-2 Panther, D18S Twin Beech, and F-101 Voodoo. His duties included test pilot, exchange duty with a USAF Fighter Squadron stationed in Misawa, Japan, Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer aboard the carrier USS Ranger as well as flights off of the USS Ranger, USS Forrestal, USS Intrepid, USS Enterprise and the USS Saratoga.

He served with Fighter Squadron VF-61 'Jolly Rogers' stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia where he would meet and marry the love of his life, Josey Pratt. The two would share the next 60 years of their lives together raising a family and traveling the world. He would leave active duty in 1966 and serve in the Navy Reserve until retirement in 1990.

Bill became an American Airlines pilot following his departure from active duty and would retire from this position at the age of 60 in 1994. For much of his commercial air career and retirement he and Josey would reside in Elgin, Illinois. They moved to Bill's childhood farm in Douglas, Georgia in 2011. After Josey's passing in 2019, Bill would move to Virginia to live near his daughter Lesley Pelka and son-in-law Mike Pelka.

Bill will forever be remembered by his family and friends as a caring and giving man. Through his kindness he demonstrated that warmth and compassion are traits to be admired and cherished. Through his example he taught the value of pursuing one's goals and dreams and dedicating the hard work necessary to achieve them. Bill's personal accomplishments were deserving of admiration and yet he will be remembered by the open pride and joy he expressed for the accomplishments of his family and friends. The strength and value of his presence remains with those who were fortunate to know him and in the bittersweet fondness of memories following his passing.

Bill is survived by his son and daughter, Mike (Nancy) Chaney and Lesley (Mike) Pelka. His six grandchildren Melissa (Dillon) Pieffer, Ryne (Jackie) Chaney, Bryan (Kalah) Pelka, Michelle (Sipan) Mathevosian, Casey Greggs, and Perry (Lesley) Greggs. His eight great grandchildren Rex Pieffer, Molly Pieffer, Jack Pieffer, Ella Pieffer, Lily Pelka, Ryann Chaney, Cameron Ackley, and Caitlin Ackley. His sister Dixie Dorman. His brother Bob (Teresa) Chaney. His sister-in-law Nancy Pratt. His nieces and nephews Lydia (Greg) Tanner, Laura (Bill) Thelen, Linda (Ron) Austin, Tracia (Parker) Howell, Matt (Lane) Dorman, Lyle (Heather) Dorman, Lee (Courtney) Dorman, Jim (Julia) Pratt, Richard (Sue) Pratt, Kim Pratt, Coley (Theresa) Kendrick, Rick (Dana) Cameron, and Jed (Dale) Dennison.

Memorial arrangements are currently being considered with possible burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.