John William “Willie” Chaney died June 16, 2015, at Peak Resources skilled-nursing facility in Durham, N.C. He was 74.

Mr. Chaney was born on Jan. 16, 1941, in Vicksburg to the late George N. and Jane L. Chaney, life-long residents of Vicksburg.

He attended H. V. Cooper High School where he played defensive tackle on the football team, earning a spot on the All Big Eight team and receiving the Thom McAn Trophy as the most valuable player in the conference.

He attended Hinds Junior College and later entered the profession of land surveying, receiving a certificate in geographic information from Ferris State University in 2001. He moved to Raleigh, N.C., in the late 1960s, where he was a land surveyor until his retirement in 2006.

He is survived by two brothers, Ed Chaney of Efland, N.C., and Arch Chaney of New Orleans; and two sisters, Emily McInnis of Jackson, and Mary Jane Mayo of Fruithurst, Ala.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his older brother, George Chaney Jr. of Tampa, Fla.

In accordance with his request, Mr.Chaney’s remains were cremated and his ashes were buried at the Chaney family plot at the Vicksburg City Cemetery July 16 at a private graveside service attended by family members.