Theodore Roosevelt Chaney

Born May 6, 1943, to Rev. James Burl Chaney Sr. and Mazie Beatrice Chaney, Theodore was one of six children, growing up with four brothers and one sister. He attended Marengo High School in Dixon Mills, Alabama, where he played basketball and football, graduating with the Class of 1962.

On December 31, 1965, Theodore married Theresa Wilson in Beloit, Wisconsin—a union built on faith and love that endured for nearly six decades.

Raised in a home where God was the cornerstone, Theodore was deeply influenced by the spiritual guidance of his mother, Mazie Chaney, a true Proverbs 31 woman; his father, Rev. James Burl Chaney Sr.; and his grandfather, Rev. Sumpter Wilson Rodgers Sr. He was baptized at a young age and devoted his life to living according to biblical principles. On April 15, 1966, he became a member of the Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin, later serving faithfully as a Bible School Teacher, Church Van Driver, and Elder at the Tuskegee Church of Christ in Tuskegee, Alabama.

In April 1964, Theodore enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably as a Supply Specialist, Computer Operator, and Military Police Officer. His service ended with an Honorable Discharge due to a physical disability.

Following his military career, he pursued higher education at Tuskegee Institute, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management on May 16, 1971. That same year, he served as Rock County Administrator and Director of the Federal Emergency Employment Act (EEA) in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Theodore was also a dedicated volunteer at the Tuskegee Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center, where he served as a Recreational Therapist Aid, Chaplain's Aid, and driver for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Tuskegee Chapter and devoted countless hours to community service, mentoring, and outreach.

His life was defined by service-to his faith, his country, and his community. He will be remembered for his integrity, humility, leadership, and the unwavering love he shared with his family and friends.

Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. James Burl Chaney Sr. and Mazie Rodgers Chaney; and his brothers, James Burl Chaney Jr., Carl Lee Chaney, and Lonesore "Lonnie" Chaney.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Theresa Wilson Chaney; daughters, Tracey Chaney (Douglas) Ricks and Tamara Chaney; granddaughters, Amber, Nekia, and Tyler; grandsons, Marquise (Javeya) and Nigel; great-granddaughters, Angelina and Milah; great-grandsons, Koa, Koz, and Kaelan; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, September 6 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Chaney will be held at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Rosehaven Cemetery.

Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of Theodore Roosevelt Chaney.