Jack Chaney, 78, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Born on February 17, 1948, in College Station, Texas, Jack was the son of J.D. and Lona Faye Chaney. The eldest of four children, he grew up alongside his three younger sisters as the family moved throughout Texas, following his father's career as a school administrator. His childhood was spent in a variety of Texas communities, beginning a lifetime of experiences that would take him in many different directions.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Throughout his life, Jack pursued a diverse professional career spanning public service, law enforcement, aviation, and the golf industry. He served as a police officer with the Arlington Police Department and the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety. He also held executive positions with Texas International Airlines and Continental Airlines and later managed numerous golf clubs. His professional journey reflected a lifetime of varied experiences, leadership, and responsibility.

In 1988, Jack married Kaylen Nickerson, beginning a marriage that would span 37 years until her passing in 2025. Through their marriage, Jack welcomed Kaylen's daughter, Michelle "Shelly" Renfro, into his life. To Jack, Shelly was never simply a stepdaughter; he loved and regarded her as a daughter of his own.

Jack was a man of serious disposition and a stern demeanor, but those who knew him best also experienced his occasional playful side. He wasn't above a little good-natured teasing, and beneath his reserved exterior was a softer side that those closest to him came to know.

Away from work, Jack enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He also had a special affection for his dogs, who were frequently the lucky recipients of donuts he would sneak their way. His beloved dog, Devon, remained his faithful companion until the very end. It was these small, endearing moments that revealed another side of Jack and will continue to bring smiles to those who remember him.

Jack is survived by his sons, David Chaney and Jason Chaney, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Chaney; his daughter, Michelle "Shelly" Renfro, and her husband, Jimmy Renfro; his five grandchildren, Jeremy Chaney, Mitchell Chaney, Jacob Chaney, Collin Renfro, and Allison Renfro; and his three younger sisters, Pam Fite, Karen Little, and Nancy Johns, along with extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kaylen Nickerson Chaney, who passed away in 2025, and his parents, J.D. and Lona Faye Chaney.

Jack's life was one of many chapters, from his beginnings in small-town Texas to his years of military service, law enforcement, business leadership, and the family he built along the way. Though he will be deeply missed, the stories, memories, and moments shared with him will remain with those who knew and loved him.

There will be no formal memorial service. Instead, Jack's ashes will be scattered together with those of his beloved wife, Kaylen, in South Grape Creek in Luckenbach, Texas, a place they both dearly loved. After sharing 37 years of marriage and countless memories, they will be reunited in one of their favorite places, where the waters of the creek flow through a little piece of Texas that always held a special place in their hearts.