J.P. Chancey

Dr. J.P. Chancey, 89 of Fort Smith, died Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Fort Smith. 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. He was President of the Northwest District Dental Society, and the Arkansas State Dental Association. He was a 13 year member of the House of Delegates, four years term on the board of Trustees of the American Dental Association. 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 president of the Alumni Association in its centennial year, and was Alumnus of the year in 1985. He received the Arkansas State Dental Association Distinguished Service Award in 1990. 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 wife Laura of North Little Rock, Ark. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Heather Leigh Keller and husband Mike of El Reno, Okla. Other survivors are grandchildren, Alex, Samuel, and Riley Morgan Chancey of North Little Rock Ark., great-granddaughters Tatum and Piper Keller of El Reno, Okla. and a sister Mary E. Lambert of Decatur, Texas and a brother in law Morgan Wright Jr. and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 1 p.m., 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, Ark. 72904 or the First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.