Oran Ward Chenault, Jr, known by most as Sonny, passed away in his home attended by family on October 1, 2024. He lived a remarkable life. He was born in 1934 in Pennsylvania, the only child of Oran Ward and Mae Bollinger Chenault, and the family moved to China when he was 9 months old. As the child of a military family, Sonny moved to numerous places including Honolulu, Coronado and Pensacola, where he graduated High School. Sonny attended Tulane University for undergraduate and medical school, where he also thoroughly enjoyed the jazz music scene as well as the Cajun cuisine. He was commissioned as an officer in the Navy where he achieved the rank of Captain. During his career, he was stationed in San Diego CA, Jacksonville FL, and Portsmouth VA. In addition, Sonny was stationed on the USS Repose hospital ship during the Vietnam War. His father had also been a doctor in the Navy, and many recall Sonny's stories of his father serving as Officer of the Day at Pearl Harbor during the attack as well as his own memories as a child of that eventful day. Sonny played a pivotal role in establishing the Urology Residency Program and served as Chief of Urology at Portsmouth Naval Hospital before retiring from the military. The residents who studied under him were treated like extended family and spent many a happy hour at Sonny and Jane's home. The mutual love and respect have continued to present day, and many of these wonderful people would still reach out to him more than 40 years after he retired from the service. He went on to become a well-respected Urologist in Chesapeake, Virginia, who was known for his exceptional skills and compassion.

During his first years in the Navy, he met and married his best friend and the love of his life, Jane Brimicombe. They went on to enjoy more than 64 years together, raising their four children: Micky, John, Tammy, and Jeff.

Sonny and Jane loved to travel, sharing thousands of miles behind the wheel of their several RVs and motor coaches. Together, they visited all 50 states, every province of Canada, and each of the 7 continents (yes, even Antarctica!). Many road trips were taken with the children, grandchildren and a variety of animal companions which included cats, dogs, a duck, a turtle, and a rabbit. It wasn't uncommon for them to be towing a boat, canoe, or extra vehicle along the way. When not traveling, Sonny and Jane's house was always open, and there was often a revolving door of friends and family sharing a drink, stories, and laughter.

After the children were grown, Sonny and Jane set out on many international adventures, with trips to China, Europe, African safaris and the Australian Outback. They were great travel partners, and their skills in planning, driving and navigating the routes were matched by their ability to make friends and socialize with fellow travelers along the way.

His many hobbies included playing the trumpet, teaching, science, jazz music, world travel, photography, fishing, and cars (or anything mechanical). He was known for being adventurous, ambitious, charismatic, compassionate, curious, generous, hardworking, and humorous. Sonny shared at least one of his many gifts with each of his children. Micky received an amazing ability to recall every detail of events as well as the ability to teach, no matter the subject matter. John was lucky enough to share the gift of leadership, love of music (especially trumpet), and love of fishing. To Tammy, he gifted the love of science and the passion of caregiving. Jeff was given the gift of mechanical ability, love of cars, and benevolence. Losing Jeff to cancer almost 5 years ago left a hole is Sonny's heart.

In addition to those listed above, he is survived by sons-in- law David Waller and Ray Schembri, and daughters-in-law Natalie and Terry Chenault, all of whom Sonny loved dearly. He is also survived by seven grandchildren (Colin, Jordan, Danielle, Matthew, Rachel, Sydnie, Kelsie) and six great grandchildren, all of whom added joy, laughter, love, and meaning to his life.

To all who shared in his life, know that your friendship added laughter and music to his heart. To all at Lake Prince, thank you for making his transition from family life to life in the retirement community a successful and meaningful journey. We hope those who have known Sonny will carry the memories, laughter, and joy with them always.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.