PFC Joseph “Dile” Chancery was born June 26, 1930, in Brewton, Alabama and raised in rural Escambia County, Alabama. He was the son of Leonard Chancery and Martha Jane Posten Chancery, and brother to Roy, Cadmon, Cassie, Gladys, Edith, Marvin, Myrtle, Garvin, Donald, Edward, and Albert, all of whom are deceased. Serving during the Korean War, PFC Chancery entered military service in the U.S. Army and served with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. His unit came under attacked on November 28, 1950, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He was reported killed in action after fierce combat under brutal conditions, but his remains could not be recovered. He was later classified as Missing in Action. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. On March 24, 2026, his remains were officially announced as identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
PFC Chancery will be laid to rest beside his parents, brother, George, and sister, Gladys, with Full Military Honors on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Lottie United Methodist Church Cemetery near Atmore, Alabama with Retired Rear Admiral Phillip Lee, Jr., U.S. Navy officiating. The service is open to the public. A luncheon for family, friends, veterans, and members of the public will follow at the Lottie Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lottie United Methodist Church Cemetery, 59635 Jack Springs Rd., Atmore, AL 36502. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
