Rhodes "Chip" Artz Jr.

Our beloved hero, husband, and father, Rhodes M. Artz, Jr., known to his friends as Chip, age 71, completed this chapter of life following a long battle with cancer. On January 15, 2023, he entered his Heavenly home peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Chip is now reunited with his parents, family and friends who were predeceased. Born in 1951 in Richmond, Virginia to Rachel and Rhodes Artz, Sr., he graduated from Churchland High School, attended TCC and ODU. He went on to become a successful accountant for HRSD for three decades and an entrepreneur in multiple fields, following his passions for classic cars, sailing, music, and beach living through numerous endeavors, sometimes professionally and often for fun. He was also managing partner of AA Properties for multiple rental units throughout Tidewater. He loved to travel, enjoying many wild family vacations from ski trips to Disney World to the Bahamas to Hawaii and beyond. He sailed in the Cock Island race for many years, winning in 2014. In the 1980s, he brought national musicians Johnny and June Carter Cash and Grandmaster Flash to Norfolk in concert. Chip’s love of living life to the fullest was evident to all and he will be missed. Chip (aka Dad, aka Pop) lives on in the hearts of his enormous group of loved ones from family to coworkers to lifelong and brand new friends, and will forever walk beside his surviving immediate family, including his wife of over 51 years, Regina Nein Artz, his sons Matt and wife Sue Artz and Andy and wife Liz Artz; grandsons Oziah Artz and Jasper Dean, sister Julia and husband Don Clark, in addition to Regina’s five younger siblings, Walter and Debby Nein, Laurie and Dennis Melms, Shirley and Paul Leadem, John and Lori Nein and Mary Beth and Paul Munden, all of which he helped to raise following the early passing of their parents. He is also loved by dozens of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and “adopted” family members. His gifts of storytelling, humor, deep spiritual faith, and love of life will always be treasured. Chip was a lifelong member of Park View Christian Church, where his father was a former minister, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the current Board Chair, and volunteering countless hours giving back to the community through the church over the years. His faith in God led him to serve as Disaster Relief Manager for seven years through Disciples of Christ Home Missions, and he created a community drive-thru food pantry that is currently ongoing. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, January 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home, at 3225 Academy Ave. in Portsmouth. A Celebration of Life honoring Chip Artz will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 (his mom’s birthday), at Park View Christian Church, at 3201 Western Branch Blvd., Chesapeake. Memorial gifts can be made to Living Endowment, Park View Christian Church or American Cancer Society.