On Thursday morning the 15th of November, 2018, Gregory Mark Chase passed away, at the age of 68. Greg was born on April 20, 1950 in New London, Ohio (the state of ‘Good Morning’) to Mark and Geraldyne Chase. Greg graduated from Norfolk Christian High School in 1968. He attended Columbia International University completing his BA in 1974 and then his MA in TEFL/TESL/Intercultural Studies in 1989. He married his high school sweetheart Cynthia Walker in 1972 and together they raised four children, Jennida, Lynette, Nathaniel, and Jeremiah. Greg had a life long passion for Christ, even as a toddler he was regularly known to remove his pacifier and shout “Amen” in church. In 1976, Greg and Cindy moved to Japan with their first born as missionaries working under The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM).
They adventured through two terms of mission work in Japan returning in 1988, having lived and worked in Takamatsu, Karuizawa, and Hiroshima. Greg completed a Japanese language certificate in 1985 in Karuizawa, Japan. Upon returning to Virginia in 1989, Greg continued to work with international students from various Hampton Roads universities. He spent much of the 1990s and early 2000s working in the mortgage industry, but continued teaching English as a second language through the years to various communities and through several organizations. Through the years, he held strong to his motto “Be Positive” (like his blood type, as he loved to announce). Stateside he enjoyed many other aspects of the ministry including leading Sunday schools, church elder, deaconship, small group leadership, playing in praise and worship teams, and various outreach programs. As a gregarious, people person, one of the strongest legacies of his life is evidenced in the numerous relationships he fostered and relished. His warm and welcoming personality made certain he never knew a stranger that he didn’t want to talk to, help, and most importantly – lead to Christ. He lived a life of service and sacrifice.
His life’s passion was to know God and to make Him known. He was a true gourmand – a dreamer of dreams -whose tomorrow always had a brighter outlook. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” He took joy in his children, stuffing their Christmas stockings with whole jars of pickles (each) and tremendous delight in his many grandchildren, exuberantly (regularly) babysitting several of them (and notoriously adding International Delight flavored creamers to the sippy cup milk)! But beyond being a sushi aficionado, with a huge sense of humor, he had a great love for fantasy, science fiction, and Navy football best of all.
Greg is preceded in death by his wife Cynthia, and his mother Geraldyne. Now reunited with Cindy, together they are making sukiyaki for Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, all the heavenly hosts, and even his mother who is no longer worried about the raw egg. Greg is survived by his father Mark and his wife Shirley; his three siblings: Julia, Cynthia and her husband Leroy, Bradley and his wife Janet; along with his four children: Jennida and her husband Hassan and their daughter Zahra, Lynette and her husband David and their children Vivienne, Cynthia and James, Nathaniel and his wife Rainey and their children Henry and Ava, and Jeremiah and his wife Cristin and their children Abigail, Emma and Elizabeth. He’s also survived by hundreds of extended family members and thousands of friends worldwide.
“I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil.” In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to TEAM Missions or the Union Mission. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Go Navy, Beat Army!
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Kathy Chase says
November 18, 2018 at 10:46 pmSending love and prayers to the family as you grieve Greg’s passing. His love of God was evident to all, far and wide.
Susan and Garry Teall /Papa Tealll says
November 20, 2018 at 4:01 amWe are so sorry to hear about the loss of Greg/Papa Chase. He will certainly be greatly missed.
We always enjoyed being around him.
Tony Lane says
November 20, 2018 at 7:58 pmNate/Jeremiah, Despite the loss of the physical presence of your father, we know that God has assigned him to watch over you throughout your life. Sending prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Craig Vitasek says
November 20, 2018 at 8:11 pmOur prayers go to all the family members of which Greg was crazy about all of you. Though the last few years were painful physically, conversations were always filled with laughter. His impact on the international community is permanent. Craig and Mary Lynn Vitasek
Lisa Edwards says
November 21, 2018 at 12:03 amLynn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you all during this time of loss. Much love to you all.
Katheryn Odom-Starks says
November 22, 2018 at 6:34 amTo Julie (Mae Mae) and all of your family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. We talked about him so much while working together at the naval hospital. Hang in there and know that you are loved. God is with you now and always.
hauke powers says
November 23, 2018 at 1:06 pmIn all honesty, Greg is not GONE…look around your family members…in THEM , Greg lives !!! God received home a very special person. Greg’s passion and love for the Lord AND people was amazing. The years I knew him, never did I see him angry or upset. He knew how to moderate a group. His loved and smile enveloped the entire room. God’s stars will shine brighter due to Greg being there now. I can just see Greg convincing God that Navy will always beat Army !! May God’s love and grace fill your hearts.
Norm and Debbie Przybylski says
November 23, 2018 at 2:28 pmGreg was a bright star to many and is brighter now! His generosity and cheer were infectious. I am, once again, struck by the memory of what he saw after Cindy passed… She was rejoicing at where she was. A great family reunion is taking place with Cindy, his mom, Bob, Muriel and many others.
jimmy stephens says
November 23, 2018 at 8:05 pmSorry to hear about your dad.
Jimmy Stephens/Judy Tazewell
Susan (Woolford) Bowman says
November 24, 2018 at 5:02 pmGoodbye Mr. Chase; with so much respect and gratitude. Thank you for being there for my Father in his dying days when he was so lonely. You ALWAYS made us smile when I didn’t think there was a smile left in me. God bless your beautiful family. I am sure you and Mrs. Chase are so happy and proud of your children and grandchildren.