William Frank Chambers

William “Frank” Chambers, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024 at Silver Bluff Village in Canton, North Carolina.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late William Frank Sr. and Marjorie Lankford Chambers. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rita Hipps Chambers, his sister, Geraldine Thompson, and his brother, John Chambers.

Frank was a 32 year employee of Bellsouth and AT&T, where he was a proud card carrying member of the Communication Workers of America and a lifelong Democrat. He loved to be outdoors and to spend time in nature, whether on the top of a mountain or relaxing at Lake Chatuge. In retirement, he was a meticulous lawn care specialist, an avid swimmer and water skier, and an enthusiastic hiker. Frank loved all sports, but he had a special affinity for Pisgah High School and NC State athletics. He loved watching games and most Friday nights in the fall would find him in full throated attendance at Pisgah Memorial Stadium. He coached his sons and their friends in football, basketball and baseball for many years. He loved analyzing and discussing games with his sons (and anyone who would listen.) As most of his friends and family know, he was a man of many words and never knew a stranger for the entirety of his 86 years.

Frank was married to his high school sweetheart, Rita, for 64 years. In retirement they both traveled the country and the world and had many adventures together. They spent most of their retirement years on the shores of their beloved Lake Chatuge, where they loved hosting family and friends, boating, swimming, and eating at Deer Lodge. Frank was most proud of the family he and Rita raised. He dearly loved and was devoted to his two sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family. He was a committed family man and never missed a ballgame, graduation, or any other important ceremony for anyone in his family. Frank served for several years as a volunteer election worker in Clyde. Frank and Rita and their family were long-time members of Clyde Central UMC.

He is survived by two sons: William Frank “Bill” Chambers, III (Ellen) of Raleigh and Jason Chambers (Tamara) of Asheville; three grandchildren: Madeline Solis-Rosas (Adolfo), Paige Elyse Chambers, and Gabriella Grace Seals; one great-grandchild, Isabella Solis-Chambers; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Wells Funeral Home in Canton from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday October 20th. A private graveside service and inurnment will be held immediately following at Fincher’s Chapel UMC Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fincher’s Chapel Cemetery Maintenance Fund, c/o Judy McCracken, 2724 Hyder Mountain Road, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Chambers has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com