William Worthy Chaney

William (Bill) Worthy Chaney was born on August 15, 1930 in Abilene, Texas, the only child of Walter and Zelma Chaney. Following his miraculous survival at birth, Bill served all those he met with love, integrity, humor, and grace. He departed from this world on Sunday, July 26, 2015 to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill graduated from Abilene High School and attended Hardin Simmons University. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and began exchanging letters with the love of his life, Carolyn Cowden. They married on September 3, 1951 and soon welcomed their favorite son Cal into the world shortly followed by their favorite daughter, Kimberly. Together, Bill and Carolyn raised a family that now includes their two children and their spouses, five grandchildren and their spouses, and four great-grandchildren. Even the youngest of the great-grandchildren, who is not yet two years old, knew to look to “Papa” for a warm hug and loving smile. Along with his vibrant family life, Bill quickly established himself as an active leader in the community, always looking to serve others. He moved his family from First Baptist Church of Abilene to help with a mission church, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, where Bill taught pre-school Sunday School for over 25 years. In later years, he could always be found exchanging quips with all of the Sunday School teachers who returned their roll sheets to him for accounting on Sunday mornings. Bill eventually returned to his roots at First Baptist Church of Abilene where his entire extended family would join him for worship on Christmas Eve. As the lone Baptist in a breakfast group of Methodist men who called themselves the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), Bill claimed to be their “mission project.” Bill was a Vice President with Citizens National Bank and retired after 30 years in 1985. He was a past member and served as President of the Abilene Kiwanis Club, and his grandchildren would testify that Bill could flip pancakes faster and better than anyone at the annual Pancake Supper while telling a joke and giving a hug at the same time. He served as President of the Board of the West Texas Fair and Rodeo and Grand Marshall of the West Texas Fair Parade. For many years Bill served as a volunteer with the Expo Center of Taylor County to recruit other volunteers to help with various annual events. In 2001, he was honored as the Texas Association of Fairs and Expositions Volunteer of the Year. Bill also supported Hendrick Medical Center and was a member of the United Way of de Tocqueville Society. A room in the new Children’s Hospital of Hendrick Medical Center bears his and Carolyn’s names. Along with his civic activities, Bill enjoyed traveling extensively during his retirement with Carolyn and his family, both domestically and internationally. He also cherished updating a farm outside of Abilene that his parents bought for their retirement, starting the Chaney Cattle Company. Predeceasing Bill are his wife, Carolyn, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Parker Chaney. He is survived by his son, Cal Chaney of Dallas and his daughter-in-law Clare Buie Chaney; his daughter Kimberly Chaney Moore of Abilene and his son-in-law Hillary Moore; five grandchildren, Kristi Moore Cooley of McKinney and her husband Matt Cooley; Hailey Moore Weems of Arlington and her husband Jason; Brent Chaney of Dallas and his fiancé Lindsay Bardach; Clark Chaney of Dallas and his wife Mallory; Lars Moore of Austin and his wife Anna; and four great-grandsons, Carson and Caden Cooley and Elijah and Caleb Weems. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bill’s special caregivers: Jessica, Juliet, Heather, Emily, Alma, and the staff at Wesley Court, among many others. Thank you for loving him with us. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home (6449 Buffalo Gap Road) from 6:00-7:30 pm. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Abilene (1333 North 3rd) with Dr. Phil Christopher and Brother Jack Ridlehoover officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to United Way of Abilene, P O Box 82, Abilene, TX 79604, or the Expo Center of Taylor County, 1700 Hwy 36, Abilene, TX 79602.