John Michael Chance of Pearland, Texas passed away on Tuesday, April 16, at the age of 61. He fought pancreatic cancer gallantly for over two and a half years.

He is preceded in death by his father, Merritt Chance. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Nancy. He is also survived by his mother, Maxine Chance, of Flowood, and his brothers, Steve Chance and Bob Chance, and Bob’s wife, Paula. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, daughter, Jennifer, of Austin, Texas, and son, John Michael Chance, Jr. and his wife, Dixie, of Brookhaven. John’s children and Mike’s grandchildren are Madeline, John Michael III and Price, also of Brookhaven. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Mike and Nancy’s journey started together at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Mike started on a career of 31 years of working for various chambers of commerce and economic development agencies in seven cities in four different states. Nancy faithfully followed him as a public school teacher. In 2006, Mike changed professions to become a successful commercial real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Commercial United Realtors in Houston, and he and Nancy continued to reside in Pearland. He received several awards with the company, including being named Agent of the Year twice. Mike was proud to be a Rotarian for over 25 years. He was a member, past president and multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient from the 288 Corridor Club in Pearland. He was a proud member of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.

Mike and Nancy enjoyed traveling together and were fortunate to have traveled, when he was working for chambers of commerce, to several foreign countries and numerous locations around the U.S. Mike’s hobbies included traveling, gardening, hunting and especially, fishing. Just last year Mike achieved his goal of shooting a 26-point buck while hunting with his son and two grandsons. He loved hunting every year with them. Mike was proud to have been a Christian all of his life and Nancy and he were active members of First Baptist Church of Houston.

Visitation will be held at Clayton Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas on Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Mike has requested memorials be made to the Missions Department of First Baptist Church, Houston.