James William "Billy" Chance

Rome, GA — James William “Billy” Chance, age 97, entered into rest on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Hillis Chance.

Born on July 4, 1928, in Girard, Georgia, Billy lived a life defined by hard work and devotion to family. He spent 40 years working as an electrician at Savannah River Plant and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Known for his steady hands and sharp mind, Billy loved to tinker and could fix just about anything—often finding joy in figuring out how things worked long after retirement. 

Outside of work, Billy found deep satisfaction on his farm, where he grew everything from sunflowers to peanuts to kale - the latter planted at the special request of one of his granddaughters - and raised his much-loved miniature ponies. He cherished simple pleasures, including his daily Coca-Cola, which became a small but beloved ritual. Above all, Billy loved his family and took pride in the generations that followed him.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie A. Hedgis (Andy Bishop); grandchildren, Sarah Hedgis-Kligerman (Roger), Kursten Hedgis, James Hedgis (Cora), Mollie Stamey (Colton), Kristi Wyatt (Paul Tucker), and Nikki Hunter (Roclof Oosthuizen); and great-grandchildren, Phoebe Hedgis-Kligerman; Kollier Stamey and Blanton Stamey; and Dixie Tucker and Travis Tucker. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, his devoted caretakers with Nuclear Care Partners—Debbie Reed, Jasmine Fikes, and Jasmine Hood—and longtime caregivers and cherished friends, Teresa Knowles and Myrtis Evans.

In addition to his wife, Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Carrie and George Chance; his brother, George B. Chance; his son, Gene A. Robinson, Jr.; and his daughter, Janet E. Wyatt. 

Pallbearers will be Andy Bishop, James Hedgis, Roger Hedgis-Kligerman, Kiley Hunter, Johnnie Smith, and Colton Stamey. 

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Thomas Poteet & Son Chapel, with the Rev. Sarah Hedgis-Kligerman officiating. 

Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

Billy Chance will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and the steady love he gave to those around him—a legacy that lives on in the lives of his family and all who were blessed to know him.