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Cecil Chance Obituary
Nashville, TN
Cecil D. Chance, age 85, passed away peacefully at St. Thomas Hospital West on February 14, 2015 surrounded by his family.
Born in Adams, TN, to the late Martha Walling and Forrest Damon Chance.
Survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Black Chance; children: Lee Anne Demere (Michael), Matthew Dustan, Mary Lindsay, Michael Burns; 3 grandchildren: Elizabeth Lee Demere, Ruth Anne Demere and Michael Collins Demere; sibling, Doris Fulton (Noble); nephews: Gary Fulton (Trina), Barry Fulton.
Cecil graduated from Springfield High School as a local football standout and played on scholarship at Cumberland University for 2 years. He then graduated from Austin Peay. Afterwards, he held positions at the YMCA and Security Federal Savings and Loan. For the majority of his career, he worked in the Nashville public library system and as a claims manager at National Life Insurance. Cecil converted to Catholicism in his early 20's and expressed his devotion to the Lord through regular attendance at Mass, working with Tennessee state prisoners, Room at the Inn and a program at NES that provided assistance for families in need.
Cecil loved his wife, family and friends and constantly took pictures and video at family events. He and his wife loved to attend their children's sporting events and also attended Vanderbilt football and basketball games throughout his life. Above all, Cecil was a good man who was kind to all those around him especially the poor in body and spirit.
The family wants to especially thank the Band of Angels home care providers for the amazing care he received over the past 9 months, and the doctors and nurses at St Thomas West special care and Father John Raphael in his last days. Cecil's wife and children appreciate the many acts of kindness from family and friends during his illness.
Services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Church with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services at 2 p.m. Graveside service will be in Calvary Cemetery, Nashville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the TN Right to Life (www.tennesseerighttolife.org) or the Aquinas Nursing Program (www.aquinascollege.edu/support-aquinas-college).
Visit the online obituary: MarshallDonnellyCombs.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cecil Chance
Paz Haynes
February 25, 2015
My deepest condolences.
Bill Mullis
February 23, 2015
Peggy, we are so sorry to hear of Cecil's passing. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Cecil has always been considered a close friend even though we lost contact in recent years. He is remembered fondly.
In sympathy and love, Bill and Anita Mullis
Suzie Cole (Connor)
February 23, 2015
Michael and family,
So very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
February 18, 2015
Dear Chance family,
Our prayers are with you. Mr. Chance was a big part of our childhood and we will miss him. God bless you at this time. Karen Malone and Jeff Burns
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February 17, 2015
Dear Peggy and family-
I was so sorry to hear of Cecil's passing. I still remember how much joy he gave my father while we still lived on Lynwood. And, I remember his devotion to the Public Library. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be sure to put him & you on the Christ Church Cathedral prayer list.
Peace,
Lyle McLevain
Ted Carver
February 17, 2015
Dear Peggy and the Chance family,
I just found out about your loss. Every Christmas, I remember our family visits to your home and of course Cecil's cheerful demeanor and spirit. We appreciated everything you've done, your lifelong friendship, and you have our deepest sympathies and prayers.
February 17, 2015
Dear Peggy, Tommy and I add our sympathy thoughts of you and Cecil along with our prayers for you and your children. May happy memories of you together keep you strong in the days to come, Sweet Lady! Mary Anne and Tommy Rowan
GERALD HURST
February 17, 2015
Dear Peggy, Michael and all,
Knowing and working with Cecil, at National Life/American General, was sincerely one of the highlights of my career there. Also, the support he provided Michael and his ball team was also memorable and greatly appreciated. Cecil was truly an easy man to love, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him.
Marge Bowers
February 17, 2015
Dear Peggy, so sorry to hear of your Cecil's move to Eternal life. He was a man who lived the Gospel with such a joyful spirit. Now rest in Peace Cecil
Ann Marie and Martin McNamara
February 16, 2015
Dear Peggy and family, Cecil embodied kindness and goodness... His smile lit up the world and and brought joy to all who knew him. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. What a good man! Cherish your memories! Much love,
February 16, 2015
Dear Peggy and Kids and Grandkids, Cecil was one of the kindest people I ever knew, to everyone. I am so sorry for your loss, and he and you are in our prayers. Love, Shannon (Carver) Story and family.
Patricia and Pete Sutherland
February 16, 2015
Peggy, So sorry to learn of Cecil's illness and passing. Know that he and all your family will be in our preyers.
Evelyn Ward
February 16, 2015
We will miss Cece and our lunches.
Love, Evelyn and Jim Ward
February 16, 2015
We will miss you and our lunches.
Evelyn and Jim Ward
Helen Alexander
February 16, 2015
Beautifully written tribute of Cecil's life. He is still a great worker for the plan of God. An example even now to all of us.
L&P ~ Helen Alexander
Sent from my iPhone
L&P~G
Maggie Kuhlman
February 16, 2015
Lindsay, I'm so sad for you losing your father. My prayers are with you and your wonderful family.
February 16, 2015
Dearest Peggy and Family, Cecil was a blessing in our lives - his smile, sense of what is truly funny; I could go on. He is with Our Lord as I write. My love to you all, Carol
February 16, 2015
My heart and prayers are with you, Peggy, and your family at this time. Cecil always made Cardiac Rehab fun and I'll always cherish our friendship and memories. May he now rest in peace. Ruth Alexander
Sharon Havens
February 16, 2015
Wishing you comfort and peace during this sad time.
Anna Holley
February 15, 2015
Although I never had the great privilege of meeting Cecil, I felt I knew him through his son Matthew's wonderful stories. Rest in peace Cecil~
millie foye
February 14, 2015
Dearest Chance family,
Cecil was a delight, a sprite, and a deeply devoted man - to family and to faith. He lit up our life.
Millie Foye
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