William Cheyney

William James Cheyney II passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022. He was born October 19, 1936 in Trenton, NJ to Ruth Hall (of Milton, NC) and William James Cheyney (of Philadelphia, PA). He attended Washington, DC public schools before attending Westtown, a Quaker boarding school in West Chester, PA. He is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina. After college, he served in the Office of Naval Intelligence on the USS Leyte Aircraft Carrier.He wed Helen Browder of Danville, on February 14th, 1959. Following his service in the Navy, he worked in an accounting firm, kickstarting a successful career in business and finance, including owning and operating two Sealtest Milk distributorships, and as an associate-owner with Pier 1 Imports.Before retiring to Danville in 1994, he and his wife raised their four sons in Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, and Martinsville, VA and Wilmington, NC. He was a member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, Elks Club, UNC Rams Club, and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. He most recently served on the Board of Directors of the Thomas Day House. He was particularly known for his wit, intelligence, kindness, and generous spirit. He is preceded in death by his son William James Cheyney III, and survived by his wife Helen, sons David, Bryan, and Stephen (and wife Bridgett), and grandchildren Alex, Caleb, and Maggie Cheyney. A graveside service will be held Saturday September 17, 2022, 11:00AM at Green Hill Cemetery with Reverend Jae Cho and Reverend Dr. Stephen Cheyney officiating. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Cheyney family. Online condolences can be made at www.townesfuneralhome.com