Donald Joseph Chauncey

Donald J Chauncey, 89, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in his home in Rock Hill, SC. He was in the company of his loving wife, Carolyn, and in the devoted care of his daughters, Cheryl Tarr and Catherine Whitley, with the support of hospice.

Born October 29, 1936, in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Don was the son of the late Daniel and Iva Chauncey. Following graduation from Chattanooga High School in 1954, he enlisted in the US Navy. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Dilley Chauncey. Don served a distinguished career in Aviation Storekeeping before retiring from the US Navy in 1981, having attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. After his retirement, Don served as Materials Manager for two hospitals in Maine before returning to the south in 1993 to be near family. After moving to North Carolina, Don served at Sheets Memorial Baptist in Lexington as maintenance director then worked for the US Postal Service in Waxhaw as a substitute mail carrier for several years before fully retiring.

Wherever he and Carolyn lived throughout Don’s military career and beyond, they were devoted servants of God and of their church families. They pointed many people to Christ through their humble service, wise mentorship, and unbridled joy in the Lord, with many coming to consider the pair as family. After moving to Waxhaw, Don and Carolyn became active members of Hermon Baptist Church, and Don served with The Gideons International, Union East Camp.

Don was a family man at heart, making time for fun adventures and wise conversations. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to gather with family members and hear the love and laughter that ensued. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carolyn Dilley Chauncey; three cherished children, Cheryl Chauncey Tarr (Larry), Donald Chauncey, Jr. (Sue), and Catherine Chauncey Whitley; four treasured grandchildren, Jacob Hedman (Rebecca), Allison Hedman Lawson (Zachary), Charlotte Hedman, and Daniel Tarr; and one precious great-grandson, Truett Lawson.

He was predeceased by four brothers and his only sister: Clyde Chauncey, Earlene Chauncey Moody, twin Douglas Chauncey, Wilburn Chauncey, and Winston Chauncey.

A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at Hermon Baptist Church, 9713 Lancaster Highway in Waxhaw. The family will receive friends after the service. Interment with military honors will be at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN on April 10, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Hermon Baptist Church or The Gideons International.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.