Melvin Herbert Chaney, Jr.

Melvin Herbert Chaney Jr.

March 24, 1953 – July 12, 2026

Melvin Herbert Chaney Jr., 73, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away on July 12, 2026.

Born on March 24, 1953, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Melvin was the son of Sudie Pearl Gray Chaney and Melvin Herbert Chaney Sr. He was a proud graduate of Mississippi State University, Class of 1975, a school that remained close to his heart.

Melvin enjoyed a long and respected career as a commercial real estate appraiser. He was known for his integrity, professionalism, and strong work ethic, earning the confidence and respect of colleagues and clients alike.

A true outdoorsman, Melvin found his greatest joy in hunting and fishing, passions he especially loved sharing with his son, Christian. He was also an avid scuba diver, creating lasting memories exploring the deep with his daughter, Madeline. Whether in the woods, on the water, or under the sea, Melvin delighted in the beauty of God's creation and in spending time with the people he loved most.

Melvin treasured his many lifelong friendships and had a remarkable gift for storytelling. In the finest Mississippi tradition, he could captivate a room with stories filled with humor, warmth, and just enough embellishment to leave everyone smiling. His booming voice and unmistakable volume only added to the experience, especially when he was sharing one of his many funny stories. He also had a deep appreciation for the blues and rarely passed up the opportunity to hear live music. Whether attending a local performance, visiting a juke joint, or enjoying a blues festival, he found joy in the music and the fellowship it inspired. His stories, laughter, love of the blues, and larger-than-life personality will continue to be remembered and retold by those fortunate enough to have known him.

His faith in God was a steady source of strength and hope throughout his life. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Madison, where his beliefs guided the way he lived, loved, and cared for others.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Madeline Chaney; his son, Christian Chaney; the children's mother, Mary Anna Wachtel, whose enduring friendship and devotion to the family remained an important part of his life; his sister, Lynda Chaney Whittemore and her husband, Jim Whittemore. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sudie Pearl Gray Chaney and Melvin Herbert Chaney Sr., and by his sisters, Patricia Chaney Betterton and Sandra Chaney.

Melvin's legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, the stories that will continue to be told, and the memories made in the outdoors. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In honoring Melvin's life, his family encourages those who knew him to spend time outdoors, appreciate God's creation, treasure every opportunity to make memories with the people they love, and never pass up the chance to tell a good story.

Services

Services for Melvin will be held on Thursday, July 16, at Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will follow.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Delta Blues Foundation in honor of Melvin Chaney.

Gifts may be made online at:

https://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/support-donate.aspx

or mailed to:

Delta Blues Foundation

#1 Blues Alley Lane

P.O. Box 459

Clarksdale, MS 38614

Please note "In memory of Melvin Chaney – General Fund" with your donation.