He studied at Sydney Technical College from 1907 and worked as a woolclasser briefly before returning to Tamworth to run the farm.

During World War I he served with the 1st Light Horse Brigade and from 1918 to 1919 was Director of Education of the Australian Infantry Forces.

On 9 July 1940, Chaffey died of a coronary occlusion at his Sydney home in Rose Bay, New South Wales.

As a Member of the Legislative Assembly and a former Cabinet Minister, and as a private citizen he was held in the highest esteem" and that; "His career was one of the longest in the history of the State.

Chaffey was cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium following a private service which was held at St Michael's Church, Vaucluse.