Charles E. Chancey

Charles E. “Coach” Chancey passed away peacefully at his residence on August 15, surrounded by his loving family. Charles was born on January 13, 1938. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, farmer, and mentor whose life was defined by his love of family, friends, athletics, and young people.

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Ann Amberger Chancey; his parents, Wilbert and Nancy Chancey; and his father- and mother-in-law, Hank and Marie Amberger.

He is survived by his longtime companion and fiance, Kelly Tobin; his sons, Rick (Karah) Chancey and Mike (Carrie) Chancey; his grandchildren, Mindy (Jordan) Bradford, Annie Chancey, Will Chancey, Skyla Coleman, and Lexi (Waeil) Saber; and his great-grandchildren, Nora Bradford, Baron Bradford, Evelyn Bradford, and Zayn Saber.

Charles grew up in West Virginia and was a standout athlete at Ripley High School. His athletic ability earned him a football scholarship to Marshall University, where he continued his education and athletic career. After graduating from Marshall, Charles remained at the university for a year as a graduate assistant football coach, beginning what would become a lifetime devoted to teaching, coaching, and developing young people.

He then moved to Pomeroy, Ohio, where he became a teacher and head football coach at Pomeroy High School. It was there that he met Mary Ann Amberger, who would become his wife and partner for 40 years.

After four years at Pomeroy, Charles returned to Marshall University, serving for two years as an assistant football coach. In the fall of 1967, he returned to Meigs County to become a teacher, the head football coach and athletic director at the newly formed Meigs High School.

As one of the leaders of a new school and athletic program, Coach Chancey was instrumental in developing Meigs High School athletics, including its programs and playing fields. His work helped establish a foundation that would serve generations of Meigs students and athletes.

But Coach Chancey’s greatest legacy cannot be measured in wins and losses, facilities, or records.

He was a teacher and coach who genuinely cared about young people. He believed in them, expected much from them, and worked tirelessly to help them become better athletes and, more importantly, better people. Throughout his career, he touched countless lives as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. To generations of students and athletes, he was simply “Coach”- a title he earned not only because of what he taught on the field, but because of the influence he had on their lives.

Away from school and athletics, Charles enjoyed farming and working with animals. For several years, he raised and broke Belgian horses, combining his love of the outdoors with the same patience, determination, and strong work ethic that characterized his career.

Above all, Charles loved his family. He was proud of his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the life and family he and Mary Ann built together.

Coach Chancey leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the football field. It lives on in his family, in the athletic programs he helped build, and in the many former students and athletes who carry with them lessons learned from Coach.

For those fortunate enough to have known him, the name “Coach Chancey” will always mean much more than football. It will represent a man who cared deeply, worked hard, believed in young people, and spent his life helping them become their best.

At his request, there will be a graveside service held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Beech Grove Cemetery in Pomeroy with Pastor Justin Roush officiating.   

There will also be a memorial service on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Syracuse Community Center, for a time to honor Coach Chancey's Life.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Meigs Athletic Boosters or Athens Ohio Health Hospice.  

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