George Chaney Sr., also known as “G-Man”, the middle child of nine was born on April 8, 1948 in York, Alabama to the late Robert Chaney Sr. and the late Mattie Chaney. George went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2024. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Chaney Jr. and Eddie Chaney and one sister, Lorene Chaney-Sledge.
George accepted Christ at an early age at MT. Zion Baptist Church in York, Alabama. He graduated from York West End High School in 1967 prior to moving to Cleveland, Ohio.
In May of 1970, George united with Ella and three children were born from their union. VanWayne Chaney Sr., Jermaine Chaney, and George Chaney Jr. Family meant everything to George. He always made it a point to be the best provider and protector he could be for his family.
George worked at the Statler Hilton Hotel and was co-owner of the Watergate Lounge alongside his brother Eddie Chaney and family friend Eddie Hall. He later retired from the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
George Chaney loved cars. He bought his first car which was a 1969 GTO “The Judge”. It was orange in color, and he loved to race it. George was all about winning. He enjoyed playing cards with his cousins Jenett White, the Oakley’s, Sweet, Uncle Jesse, Chill, Papa, and friends. He won a lot of pool tournaments, bus rodeos (driving contest) and bets on the Brown’s game versus the Steelers.
George was very generous when it came to family, always helping family members financially and mentally. He would loan coworkers money, to help them through tough and difficult times. He constantly talked to his family about saving for a rainy day.George was an amazing friend, a competitive pool player, and a creative genius. Everything George touched was improved for the better. George’s fighting spirit and strength endured through years of Leukemia treatment. Throughout this battle, George emphasized the power of unity within family.
George Chaney Sr. leaves to mourn his wife Ella Chaney, three sons VanWayne Chaney Sr. (Selina), Jermaine Chaney (Danielle) of Cleveland, OH and George Chaney Jr. (Bria) of St. Louis, MO. Seven grandchildren, VanWayne Chaney Jr, Jasmaine Chaney, Jayla Chaney, Dionna Chaney, Logan Chaney, Fallyn Chaney, and George Chaney III. One brother, Willie J. Chaney (Carol) of Wildwood, NJ, four sisters, Addie Bea Shelton of Chicago, IL, Dorothy Blakely of Cleveland, OH, Mildred Jacobs (Joe) of Wildwood, NJ and Sarah Watson of York, Al. One uncle, Cleveland Chaney (Georgia) of Cleveland, OH. Four brother’s in-law, Thomas Gulley (Cathy), Peter Gulley (Janet), Daniel Gulley (Margaret), Samuel Gulley (Brenda), and two sisters in-law, Karen Chaney, Lucy Weatherspoon (George) and a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.