Michael Paul Chaney

Abingdon, VA - Michael Paul Chaney, 79 years of age, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday August 27, 2022. Paul was born on April 1, 1943, in Buchanan County, VA. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Paul grew up in Buchanan County and after school worked in the mining industry and later served in the United States Army before returning home and resuming his career in mining.

He was a hard worker and was fortunate to have success in both the mining industry and later in real estate. Paul was a loving father and wanted nothing more than Michael to be happy and helped him with anything he could. He couldn’t stand to watch Michael in the racecar because it made him nervous, but he helped him achieve his dream of racing because he knew how much Michael loved it. He loved riding around his farm in Abingdon and getting to spend time with his grandsons in later years.

For the past several years with the help of his special nephew, David Matney, he planted a garden for his grandsons with their favorites, cucumbers, watermelons, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes and looked forward to helping them pick them. He also enjoyed NASCAR and was a big country music fan of George Jones. He had a kind, generous heart but didn’t want any recognition for anything he did.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bernice Chaney; one son, Michael Paul Chaney II and wife Shanna Chaney of Abingdon, VA; two grandsons, Braxton Michael Chaney and Cameron William Chaney; two sisters, Irma Lester of Abingdon, VA and Sue Harrison of Abingdon, VA; and one brother, Leslie and wife Gertrude of Dinwiddie, VA; two sisters-in-law, Sue Dotson of Abingdon, VA and Mae Broyles of Hurley, VA; and special nephew, David Matney.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents Ance and Jane Midkiff Chaney; one brother, J.D. Chaney of Rural Retreat, VA; one sister-in-law, Joyce Chaney of Rural Retreat; and two brothers- in-law, Steward Lester of Abingdon, VA and Bill Harrison of Abingdon, VA.


Funeral Services will be held Wednesday August 31, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon, VA with Pastor Rodney Arnold officiating. The family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Claypool Hill, VA with military rites conducted by the Casey-Short V.F.W. Post9640 and the Virginia Army National Guard. Pallbearers will be David Matney, Matthew Eades, Aaron Musgrove, Michael Broyles, Chris Dotson, and Robert Clark. Honorary pallbearers Bernard Harvey, Mark Eades, and Matthew Swarm.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Michael Paul Chaney is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.