Dr. Don Gilliam Chance II

Dr. Don Gilliam Chance, II, age 80, transitioned quietly and peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. His loving heart left a beacon of light for those he left behind. The only child of the late Don Gilliam Chance, Sr., and Pattye Howell Chance, Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of twenty-five years, Ruth; his two sons, Don Gilliam Chance III (Tre’) and Phillip Goldman Chance; Phillip’s wife, Keisha, and their children, Corinne, Alaina, Austin and Heiress; his two step-grandchildren, Dylan and Donna Frye; as well as a host of relatives and friends. Don completed his requirements for graduation from high school at the age of 15. He became interested in attending A&T University, Greensboro, NC, due largely to a favorite cousin who was already a student at the University. Although the campus was intimidating, he was a determined young man, and learned to use the ‘ups and downs’ experiences to stay positive and ultimately become a five-year Aggie Pride graduate in the summer of 1963. Dr. Chance returned to A&T University the following fall to receive his teaching certificate, completing his student teaching in Burlington, NC. The following year he began his teaching career in Saluda, VA. He also taught basic skills to help at-risk boys turn their lives around at the Virginia Corrections School for Boys. In 1972, Dr. Chance earned his Master of Arts in Biological Science from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA. He received an Administration’s Endorsement from VCU to become vice principal and later a principal. He received his Doctorate in Education Leadership from NOVA University in 1990. In the words of Dr. Don G. Chance, II: “A&T gave me the realization of who I was and assisted me in identifying my weaknesses and strengths. It gave me the foundation to launch my career as an advocate for children.” A staunch career advocate for the development and well-being of children, he proudly spent forty-five years in public education, retiring in 2010. Shortly thereafter, he embarked upon a new venture as a Certified Notary professional, providing services to financial institutions across the Commonwealth. Don Jr., as he was affectionately called by his cousins and childhood friends, was a member of Mount Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel, NC. During his lifetime, he had several passions, most notably his love for his family and friends. He was also an avid football fan and an excellent cook (curry chicken and fried fish were a couple of his specialties). Don G. Chance II will be greatly missed, always loved, and certainly never forgotten. “This is how I want to be remembered.” Dr. Don Gilliam Chance, II

Tributes

Dr. Don Gilliam Chance II

November 9, 1941 - September 20, 2022