Clay Chaney, age 56, of Dover, died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 17, 1968, in Fayetteville, Arkansas to Gary and Becky (Elder) Chaney.

Clay had great love and respect for his family, friends and the great outdoors.  He was an Eagle Scout.  His outdoor activities included hunting and fishing, hiking, and paddling all types of water.  The Buffalo River was one of his most beloved rivers which he paddled in its entirety (120 miles) several times with family and friends. At home he enjoyed gardening and working on home improvement projects.

Clay worked for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in lands and fisheries management. Later, he taught for the Biological Science Department at Arkansas Tech University.  He spent many summers as a white-water raft guide on the Ocoee and Pigeon Rivers of Eastern Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norman and Shirley Chaney of Cassville, Missouri and Roscoe and Elloease Elder of Coffeyville, Kansas; and an uncle, Jim Elder of Coffeyville, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cheryl Chaney of Dover; his parents, Gary and Becky Chaney of Wesley, Arkansas; a sister, Stephanie Chaney of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, in the Shinn Chapel, Russellville, Arkansas with Bro. Doug Fare and the Rev. Jeff Gibson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until service time and immediately following the service in the Chapel.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Oakhill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Orr, Natural State Council, 3220 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202. "Camp Orr" will need to be specified on the donation. If they have a particular project or area (like Maintenance or improvements) they want the donation to go for they will need to specify that also, River Valley Hospice, 222 John Babish Lane Russellville, AR 72801, and Hurricane Helene Relief in East Tennessee.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .