Retired Sgt. Major Willie Chong, Jr.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Willie Chong, Jr., 77 of Fayetteville passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016.  

He was born in California on April 5, 1939, and after a troubled childhood, he joined the Army and proudly served for 30 years.  He excelled as a soldier and through his years of dedication, he completed three tours in Vietnam, but was injured during his fourth tour.  SGM Chong achieved qualifications as sniper, combat diver, and advanced freefall parachutist.  He was qualified as a martial artist and hand to hand combat instructor.  He was a crucial part of the team that wrote the Army’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) manual and was instrumental in establishing the Army’s SERE school.  He served as Detachment Sergeant Major at the ROTC detachment Illinois State University.  After his retirement on August 1, 1987 he became a JROTC Instructor with Western Harnett High School.  He taught first year cadets and was one of the most effective and popular teachers at the school.  He coached the Rifle Team until Cadet Command suspended all firing activities.  He retired from teaching on September 1, 2007 after faithfully serving for 20 years.  During his years of teaching he also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and his Master of Education degree.  After retiring, SGM Chong and his wife remained very active with the JROTC Booster Association, and were volunteers at Western Harnett High School.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ngamtha (Tha) Chong. 

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, May 26, 2016 in JFK Chapel on Ft. Bragg with Retired Major Archie Barringer officiating.  Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions made be made to SGM Chong JROTC Scholarship, JROTC Boosters Association, 10637 NC 27 W. Lillington, NC 27546.

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