Overton "Tony" Chambers Ii

Highlands - Overton "Tony" Chambers II, 81, of Highlands, NC, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2013 at his home on Tartan Ridge after a long battle with cancer.

Tony was born July 14, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Overton and Dayis Deitrich Chambers. He was predeceased by his sister, Jan Chmar (Col. Paul Chmar) of Highlands. Tony first came to Highlands in 1936 where he spent his summers. During that time, Tony stayed at Tricemont Terrace until his family's home was completed on Buck Creek Road. As a teenager, he met many people that became lifelong friends one of whom also became his wife. Tony married Isabel Hall June 15, 1951 and they shared many loves together travel, music, friends, family and each other.

Tony attended Evanston High School, and graduated from Lawrenceville Preparatory School. He then went to Dartmouth College and graduated with a BA in English. While in Dartmouth, he was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity, sang in the Glee Club, and was a member of the Dartmouth Outing Club.
After graduation, Tony returned to Highlands. He was a self taught Blacksmith and many homes in Highlands have railings, fire place screens and tables of wrought iron made with his hands. He was a member of the Southern Highlands Handicraft Guild. Also during this time, he taught schools at Tamassee School in Salem, SC.

Tony worked at Life of Georgia in Atlanta from 1957 1971 in the corporate office and became a Life Fellow. While in Atlanta he attended St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church. He was a Boy Scout leader and was the father and grandfather of four Eagle Scouts. He was instrumental in bringing his Scout troop to Highlands to "Camp Buck Creek" so he could share his love of Highlands with others.

He moved back to Highlands in 1971 to work at Tudor N. Hall & Associates and Village Service. He worked as a Real Estate Agent and Insurance salesman. He later purchased the real estate division of the business and became owner and President of The Chambers Agency, REALTORS.

Tony was a member of The Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, NC where he served as a Senior Warden, and multiple times as Vestry member, Lay reader, Chalice Assistant and former choir member.
Tony was a former member of the Jaycees of Highlands. He was a member and past President of the Highlands Cashiers Board of REALTORS and served on multiple committees. He was a member, past President and Paul Harris Fellow of the Highlands Rotary Club. Together with his wife, Isabel received the Robert DuPree Award from the Highlands Chamber of Commerce in honor of their continuing support of Highlands.

Tony was a member of the Highlands Writer's Group and the Blue Ridge Writer's Group. He had written and published two novels, The Inheritance and Lost & Found. He also penned Remembering Highlands, a book of short stories told by his wife Isabel Hall Chambers about growing up in Highlands.

Tony traveled extensively, and enjoyed camping, hiking, beach trips, skiing, skeet shooting, dancing and having the occasional hootenanny with friends and family. He also enjoyed researching genealogy and reading. He loved all kinds of music, and played the accordion, mandolin, and bagpipes. He was a piper and member of the Highlands Pipes and Drums. Tony loved Highlands and its local people. He enjoyed sharing his love of the area, and wanted others to experience it the same way.

Tony is survived by his wife, Isabel Hall Chambers, three sons Overton Tucker (Jeannie), Thomas Tudor(Vickie) and Timothy Gilbert (Karen) all of Highlands. He left nine grandchildren: Spencer Chambers (Mandy), Royce Chambers, Sam Chambers (Jessica), Adam Chambers, Kasey Chambers, Amanda Chambers, Bessie Chambers, Erin Britt (Travis), and Susan Floyd. Five great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and a lifelong list of friends also survive.