On April 20, 2023, Stephen C. Chance, 76 passes away in Middleburg Florida after battling several cancers related to Agent Orange. Stephen or “Steve” as he was better known was born in Jacksonville, Florida on January 7th, 1947. He was the third of five children; his parents were “Jr.” and “Liz” Chance. After graduating high school at N.B Forest High in 1965, he was off to boot camp in Georgia. In June of 1966, he married his high school sweet heart, Sharon Bradley. After a short honeymoon, he returned to Georgia and then on to Fort Bragg in North Carolina for Airborne Ranger School with the 82nd Airborne. Once this was completed, he returned to Fort Benning where he received his orders for Vietnam. He was attached with the 9th battalion and 82nd Airborne Rangers in South Vietnam where he was placed to assist with training of the “Thailand’s Queens Cobras”.
After being wounded and bitten by a poisonous snake, he left the US Army in 1970 with an Honorable Discharge, a Silver Star, and a purple heart which he did dd not accept as he felt his injuries were not severe enough to merit an award. He returned state side to Jacksonville where he was “welcomed home” by numerous protests and being spit upon. He became an iron worker where he helped construct the Orange Park Kennel Club and at the time, the tallest building in Miami. It was at this time in 1972, he found his dream job. He became a Game Warden for the State of Florida. He loved the thought of being in the woods and protecting wildlife. After training was complete, he and his wife were sent to the Everglades in Miami, Florida. They soon moved to Okeechobee, Florida where their one and only child was born - Sonya Christine Chance. In 1981, they all packed up and followed his transfer orders to Clay County, Florida. Here he would retire after forty years of service. In his off time, he loved to fix old cars and trucks.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 year, his daughter Sonya Christine, and his best buddy and travel companion - a Jack Russel named “LJ”.
He was predeceased in death by his parents “Jr. and Liz” Chance, his brother “Buddy”(Delores), and his older sister “Sandra St. John (Gary). He is survived by two sisters Phyllis Palmer (Virgil), Suzanne Chance and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind many close and precious friends.
He was a member at Black Pond Baptist Church.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” gathering at a later date. The recent upcoming service for Sunday May 21st has been postponed. Please select for updates on obituary for updates when they become available.
These arrangements will be posted on the memorial site of Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
