Dr. J.P. Chancey

Dr. J.P. Chancey, 89 of Fort Smith, died Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Fort Smith. He was born on March 6, 1923 in Ozark to Pitt and Floy Chancey. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1947, he served his profession life in Fort Smith for 53 years, retiring in August, 2000. J.P. had an extraordinary love of dentistry and for his patients.

In his years in dentistry he was very active in the Northwest District Dental Society, the Arkansas State Dental Association, being former president of both, and of the American Dental Association where he was a 13 year member of its House of Delegates, and served a four year term on its board of Trustees. He was a member of the original board of Delta Dental (Insurance) of Arkansas, and served as president for its first four years. He was a fellow of the American College of Dentists and of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. J.P. was an active member of the alumni association where he served on its board of trustees as its president during its centennial year in 1981. He was Alumnus of the year in 1985 and received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1987-88. Also, he received the Arkansas State Dental Association Distinguished Service Award in 1990. He proudly served in the United States Army Dental Corps on Okinawa during the Korean War.

As a devoted Christian, J.P. was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Smith, and was a charter member of the Builders Sunday School Class, and an active member of the Methodist Men’s Club Bible Study. He was a member of the Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club, Amrita Grotto, and was a Scottish Rite Mason. J.P. was very grateful for his long life and cherished family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wanda Strickland of Little Rock. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Rebecca Ann (Becky) Wright Chancey, a daughter, Lucia Leigh Chancey of Alma, a son Joseph Wright (Joe) and his wife Laura of North Little Rock, AR. Also survived by a granddaughter, Heather Leigh Keller and husband Mike of El Reno, OK. Other survivors are grandchildren, Alex, Samuel, and Riley Morgan Chancey of North Little Rock AR, great granddaughters Tatum and Piper Keller of El Reno, OK and a sister Mary E. Lambert of Decatur, TX and a brother in law Morgan Wright Jr. and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 1:00 pm Tuesday at Roebuck Chapel with visitation to follow in the Narthex of First United Methodist Church. Private burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Sebastian County Humane Society 3800 Kelley Hwy Fort Smith, AR 72904 or the First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Fort Smith, AR 72901

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com