Bobby Joe Chance

Bobby Joe Chance, 75, of Florien went home to his heavenly father on September 13, 2016 at his home surrounded by family in Florien. Funeral services were held September 17 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Reverends Gil Arthur and Mike Henderson officiating. Burial followed in Florien Cemetery. Bobby was born in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, to James Norman Chance and Geraldine Sandel Chance on January 28, 1941. He graduated from Florien High School in 1959. However, he attended Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee, through his junior year. Bobby joined the United States Air Force on March 2, 1960, and he was released from active duty on December 18, 1963. He served in the reserves until March 1, 1966. Bobby was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his dates of active duty. He loved his country and was a true patriot. He married the “love of his life,” Betty Jo Herrington on September 2, 1967, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Peason. Bobby and Betty had one child, Melanie Jane Chance, on February 9, 1970. During his life, Bobby worked at various local businesses primarily in the role of parts department manager. Bobby’s love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, was evidenced by his years of church service. He attended and led music at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Peason for many years. Bobby was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Florien on January 14, 2001, where he served for many years. Bobby served as a deacon and member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Florien, until his death. Bobby was also an active member of the Florien Lions Club where he served as secretary for many years. He loved to work at their annual bitty ball fundraiser, where he was able to pass on his love of basketball to the next generation. Bobby is preceded in death by his father, James Norman Chance. Bobby is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Chance; daughter, Melanie Chance Harder; son-in-law, Charles Philip Harder; granddaughters,Jessica MacKenzie Harder and Layla Grace Harder; mother, Myra Geraldine Chance Williams; brother, James Gerald Chance; sister, Faye Renee Beason; and numerous other relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Gideons International, or the Florien Lions Club. The family would like to thank Dr. Manish Dhawan and the wonderful staff of the Highland Clinic Northwest Louisiana Oncology Associates. Also, the family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Leesville for their loving care the last three months.