John Alfred Chancey

LtCol John Alfred "Al" Chancey USMC (Ret), a resident of Dothan, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at a local hospital. He was 86 years old.

LtCol Chancey was born in Henry County, AL to Amos Esto and Ressie Bayne Chancey. He graduated from Newville High School and Chipola Junior College before entering Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL. Upon completion of flight training in June 1959, he received his Naval Aviator wings and accepted a commission in the US Marine Corps. Two days later he married his high school sweetheart and lifetime companion of 64 years, Norma Ruth Danzey.

He proudly served his country during a distinguished military career that included assignments throughout the US, the Far East, and as a Naval Attaché in the American Embassy Athens, Greece. Throughout his military career, he continued to pursue his education and graduated from California State College, Fullerton with honors.

He was an accomplished military pilot who was rated in helicopters, multi-engine transport planes and single-engine jets. He was a Vietnam Veteran with over 560 combat missions in assault helicopters. Among the decorations he received for personal valor are two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star with Valor Device, 28 Air Medals, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

LtCol Chancey gave generously of his time to the community, with a special interest in service to veterans. He was an active member and supporter of several veterans' organizations.

In addition to his parents, Amos and Ressie Chancey, LtCol Chancey is preceded in death by his grandson, Branden Chancey.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, LtCol Chancey is survived by his wife, Norma Ruth Danzey Chancey; children, Linda Darlene (Jim) Murray, Cynthia (John) Hurst, Beverly (Chris) Watola, John Alfred Chancey, Jr., Michael (Wendy) Chancey; grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, Amber, Christopher, Jonathan, Rachel, Ashley, and Casey; siblings, Melissa Key, and Lamar (Lynne) Chancey; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home starting at 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 pm on Sunday in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Josh Alderman officiating. Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Burial will take place at Old Center Church in Newville, Alabama following the Military Honors.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Center Church Cemetery Fund at 764 County Road 89 Newville, Alabama, 36353, or to Timber's Drive Church at 1461 Timbers Drive Dothan, Alabama, 36301.