Chance Daniel Dooley was born on April 3,1998, to Danny and Eleisha Dooley. Chance grew up in Custer with his younger siblings, Wyatt and Kadense. They were his best friends and co-conspirators. The three had a special bond, even when they disagreed on life.

Chance was always very active and involved in sports from a young age. He wrestled from AAU into high school, played baseball, took golf lessons, played football in middle and high school. But most of all he enjoyed running, which came naturally to him. Chance was a two-time state champion in the 2-mile in track and in his senior year he also captured the Class A Cross Country Championship. His passion for running was passed down to both Wyatt and Kadense. It has been said he was a pleasure to coach, a great teammate and a fierce competitor.

After graduating from Custer High School in 2016 Chance ran both Cross Country and Track and Field for Black Hills State University and went on to earn his bachelor's degree there. He was the first in his immediate family to graduate from college and that was a great accomplishment for him; his siblings followed suit. After college Chance continued to live in and work in Spearfish until his death.

Chance enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, running, animals, creating, painting. He was an artist with a specific taste. Chance was quick-witted and gave unique nicknames to most he crossed paths with. When he found something he was passionate about he worked hard. He took pride in Wyatt and Kadense and all their accomplishments. Chance often told his parents how proud he was of them. He had a special bond with his Nana Lawana and Grandpa Jeff. Chance loved and cared deeply.

Chance passed away July 17, 2026. He is survived by his loving and heartbroken parents, Danny and Eleisha Dooley of Custer, brother Wyatt of Spearfish, sister Kadense (Miles) of Sioux Falls; his grandparents, Jeff and Lawana Gramm of Mesa, AZ, Dan Dooley of Huntley, MT, Hoby and Peggy Bruce of Sturgis, SD; aunts and uncles, Jim Dooley, Trent (Nicole) Bruce, Jamie (Derek) Barnhurst, Jason Lembke, Frank (Mindy) Dooley; cousins, Kennedy and Oscar Bruce, Carter, Grady and Henley Lembke, and Ayden and Easton Dooley; as well as numerous extended family, friends, classmates, teammates and coaches.

He was proceeded in death by his grandma Jennie Dooley, great-grandma Jeanette Auen, great-grandma Allie Becker, great- grandma Ethel Gramm, great-grandparents Don and Rose Bruce, great-great grandma Gladys Raver and other extended family who knew and loved him.

Chance will forever be remembered for his smile, quick wit, his passion, and the love and support he provided.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the track in Custer on Friday, July 31st, followed by a gathering at Mt Rushmore Brewing Company where you will have an opportunity to reflect or tell any great stories about Chance at that time.