Obituary of Robert Richard Chinnis

Master Chief Robert R. Chinnis, Sr. passed away on February 23, 2014 at the age of 83 in Gainsville, Fla. Robert R. Chinnis, Sr. was born in Ravenel, South Carolina on June 20, 1930 to Godfrey and Marian Chinnis. Robert joined the United States Coast Guard at the age of 19 and served for 30 years where he achieved the highest rank of an enlisted man, Master Chief Petty Officer. Master Chief Chinnis is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War (2 tours) and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, and the Fourth, USCG Good Conduct Award. Robert Chinnis met the love of his life, Anna Marie Murray, and married shortly after on March 24, 1954 in Kodiak, Alaska. They raised one girl and three boys and resided across the east coast of the United States. In 1974, Master Chief Chinnis retired from the United States Coast Guard and later opened his own Upholstery business and served as a Cape May County Security Guard. He was an avid coin collector, enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family. He was a highly respectable, reliable and loved man by anyone who was blessed to know him. Robert R. Chinnis is preceded in death by his wife of 25 years Anna Marie Chinnis, parents Godfrey and Marian Chinnis and four brothers, Harry Lee Chinnis, Thomas Shippy Chinnis, Joseph Benjamin Chinnis, Paul Randall Chinnis and three sisters Marion Jeanette Chinnis Williams, Marguerite (Tootie) Bessie Chinnis Towels and Anna Lee (Tip) Chinnis Graham. Master Chief Robert R. Chinnis is survived by his daughter, Pamela M. Wills and sons Robert R. Chinnis, Jr., Joseph M. Chinnis and Mark J. Chinnis. Grandchildren: Brandon W. Willis, Samantha S. Wadas, Justin J. Chinnis, Krysten A. Chinnis, Phillip Chinnis and Anna M. Chinnis, Sherilyn Neri. Great-Grandchildren: Jeanette Susan Elaine Chinnis,and Fiona Krysten Caitlin Chinnis. Funeral services will be held on April 4, 2014 at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery 127 Crest Haven Road Cape May Courthouse, NJ. 08210. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chief Chinnis to scholarships funded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mail to 406 W. 34th Street Suite 718 Kansas City, MO. 64111. Condolences can be sent to www.evoyfuneralhome.com. .