R C Chaney Jr.

R C Chaney Jr., age 87, of Canton, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. He was born in Van Zandt County, Texas, on November 12, 1938, to Remeth Cyrus Chaney Sr. and Lillian Lucille Dyer Chaney.

Visitation will be held at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, Texas, on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, Texas, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 am.

R C grew up in Van Zandt County and graduated from Martins Mill High School in 1956. On November 14, 1959, he married Ima Jo Ayers. Together they shared 66 years of life together building a home and a family.

R C was a farmer of the land, leaving his job in Dallas, he began farming full time and growing East Texas sweet potatoes that would eventually be known as "Jamie's Brand" and "Jake's Jumbos," after his first two grandchildren. After retiring from farming, R C began yet another career, still working the land in a much different way. From the seat of his bulldozer, he shaped the earth with patient determination, building many ponds and lakes—work that reflected both his resilience and the quiet example he set through a lifetime of steady effort.

A dedicated husband and father, R C found his best days in the company of family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His presence was a constant source of strength, and his life offered a reminder of what it meant to show up, provide, and persevere.

R C also enjoyed a good day of fishing—time spent relaxing, taking in nature, and appreciating the simple peace found outdoors.

He was a member of Walnut Springs Baptist Church. In his younger years, he served the Lord as a deacon of Tundra Baptist Church. His faith in God was guiding light throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyrus and Lucille Chaney; son in law, David Wayne Fortner; sisters: Carolyn Brown, Martha Nelles; and brother, Will Tom Chaney.

R C is survived by his wife, Ima Jo Chaney; daughters: Susie Fortner, Janet Sanford and husband, Beolan; grandchildren: Jamie Hejl and husband, Michael, Jake Hendrix and wife, Lisa, Caley Keeton and husband, Michael, Lucas Fortner and wife, Jessica, Ashton Reynolds and husband, Delton; great grandchildren: Meredith Hejl, Madilyn Hejl, Michael Hejl, Lily Jo Keeton, Rowan Keeton, Dean Hendrix, Evelyn Hendrix, Crue Robards, Gaige Fortner, Hayes Reynolds and Lucy Jo Reynolds; sister, Rebecca Shumate and husband, Wayne; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Final resting place will be at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton, Texas.