Lonnie "L.J." Chance Jr. , 85, of Center, passed away Monday, June 16, 2014 at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Interment will follow at Mt Herman Cemetery in Center.

Mr. Chance was born May 15, 1929 in Shelby County to Lonnie Lawrence Chance and Ora B. Spurlock Chance. He retired from Houston Police Department after more than twenty-two years of service. Mr. Chance later moved home to Shelby County, where he retired as Chief Deputy of Shelby County Sheriff's Department after eleven years of service. He was currently serving as a Community Service Coordinator for both Shelby and Panola Counties.

He is survived by
Sons:
Gary Chance and wife, Debbie of Magnolia
Wendell Chance and wife, Becky of Center

Sister: Fleta Warr Hill of Friendswood

8 Grandchildren

12 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Lonnie Lawrence Chance and Ora B. Spurlock Chance Warr
Wife: Billie Jo Chapman Chance
Stepson: Donald Ray Milam
Brothers: Maxie Nolan Chance, Claude Chance, Larry L. Chance

Pallbearers will be Don Eric Milam, Justin Chance, Lynn Rogers, Jeff Dommenge, Gene Koonce and Glen Chance.