Reverend Donal Ray Chance Sr.

Another general of the faith has gone home. Bishop Donal Ray Chance Sr. of Bridge City LA went to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born August 29th, 1937, in Vernon Parish, LA. He was a resident of the West Bank of New Orleans for most of his life. Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bessie Feazell Chance (whom he called his angel). He leaves behind one loving daughter, Sherry Malynda Chance-Stanley and husband, Reverend David B. Stanley Sr. He also leaves behind two loving sons: Reverend Donal Ray Chance Jr. and his wife, Sharon; Terry Chance and his wife, Kathleen.

Don was blessed with six grandchildren: Donetta (Jared), Bryan (Cherelle), Jason (Valerie), Raynelle (James), Todd (Stevie), Ashley (Jonathan). And three honorary grandchildren: Candice Morris, Pauli and Brandi Bernard.

He was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Jaycie, Kaleb, Kaden, Kolton, Addison, Brennen, Aubree, Mason, Charlee, Walter, Luna— and the late Crissi.

Don also had 1) four siblings: Dale Chance (Martha, and the late Willie May), the late Reverend Daniel Chance Sr. (Linda), the late Juanita Bailey (Charles), the late Anita Bailey (Paul), 2) four sisters-in-law’s: Claudine Dufrene (Mike), Linda Chance (Dan), Ruth Shoemaker (Thane), the late Jacqueline Dufrene (Riley), and the late Pam Feazell, and 3) one brother-in-law: AJ Feazell III (Karla).

Don was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond Chance and Alma Owers; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Reverend AJ Feazell Jr. and Catherine.

Don also had numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many loving friends here and abroad.

His absence will always be felt, but his legacy will live on through all the lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all.

Bishop Donal Chance was a great visionary: bishop, pastor, evangelist, missionary. His desire was to lead men, women, boys, and girls to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. His motto was “Preach the Word.” He truly lived the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2, when the Apostle said, “Preach the Word: be instant in season, out of season; reproof, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.”

Bishop Donal had a heart of gold and a giving spirit. He would help and give to all who needed it. He was a man of great talents, and used these talents to minister to others. He would help the fishermen fix their boats, or families fix their cars. His grandchildren would even say “Popie can fix it!” He helped with the construction of many churches, and he worked alongside his youngest son Terry in the oilfield. Bishop Donal was even musically gifted, and he played the guitar and sang alongside Bessie, as she played the accordion, and Malynda, as she sang.

As pastor, Bishop Donal served faithfully. For decades, he served churches and communities in the role of pastor, preaching and teaching and shepherding his flock. As Bishop, he served Bayou Land Missions faithfully. As evangelist, he won many souls to the Lord. One of his greatest memories of soul-winning was during several glorious years of revival at Angola State Penitentiary, where he, along with his son, Donal Jr., saw numerous inmates come to faith in Christ. As missionary, Bishop Don served alongside The School of Christ International to bring the hope of Jesus to Venezuela and Colombia. In those countries, he was involved in evangelism, pastor training, and the building of many churches and schools. Bishop Don also worked alongside the Wycliffe Bible translators in a ground-breaking effort to help bring the Word of God to the people of the Wayuu Indian tribe in Venezuela and Colombia. During those years he worked under the guidance of SOC president’s B H Clendennen and Robert Turnage. He also served as a board member for the School of Christ International where he helped oversee the training of countless ministers of the gospel.

Though he was known to the world as bishop, pastor, evangelist, and missionary, to those closest to him he was known as Pop. To his great-grandchildren and grandchildren, he was known as Pop, Pop-Pop, and Popi. To his three children he was known as daddy, and to his loving wife (whom he called ‘My Angel’), he was known as ‘My Heart.’

The Celebration of Life and Legacy will be held on Friday, March 24th. Visitation: 11am, Service: 12pm. The service will be held at The Four Columns (3711 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA 70058). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for Bibles to be sent to Venezuela, Colombia, and Angola Prison. Please send gifts to Bible Tabernacle (1061 Oak Avenue, Bridge City, LA 70094).

We would like to thank: all the family and friends during his last days; His doctors, Dr. Shibu and Amy Varughese; Anvoi Hospice for their constant care and concern- Greg, Delia, Jody; and Sister Servants of Mary.

2 Timothy 4:7&8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”