JD Pappy Chapman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Dewey “JD (Pappy)” Chapman, age 94, a life-long resident of Cleveland entered into the presence of His Savior early Sunday morning December 15, 2019 surrounded by his family. He is the son of the late Stanton and Estelle Chapman. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Voleta, his brothers Charles, Hudon, Bill and Richard, sisters Vivian and Rose, son-in-law Tommy Davis, son Dennis Chapman, and his grand-daughters Ansley and Jordin Davis. Pappy was a veteran of World War II where he served under Admiral Hill as a Morse Code operator. An eye witness to the iconic Raising of the Flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Pappy considered it an honor and privilege to serve his country. After returning home, Pappy married his sweetheart, Voleta Epperson, whom he had loved since they were second graders. Married 70 years, the couple had four children, James (Paula) Chapman of Cleveland, the late Dennis Chapman of Pensecola, Florida, Philip Chapman and Susie (the late Tommy) Davis both also of Cleveland. Pappy was the owner of Southern Bronzing Company that bronzed baby shoes for 50 years. Pappy loved his family and friends, playing Rook, and watching baseball, but nothing brought Pappy more joy than sharing Christ with anyone who would listen. Jesus saved Pappy at the age of 50 years old and serving the Lord became Pappy’s greatest passion. He spent many hours taking people out for a cup of coffee or visiting them in their homes telling them how Jesus had changed his life. For many years Pappy shared the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a member of the Gideons International. Pappy deeply loved his family. He adored his late wife, Voleta, and tenderly cared for her during the last years of her life. He also enjoyed his grandkids and great-grandkids and was very involved in their lives. Pappy also loved people well and was very intentional about making and keeping friends. He showed such a genuine interest in and concern for others that people were naturally drawn to him. Anyone with Pappy felt like he/she was the most special person around! Pappy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children: James (Paula) Chapman, Philip Chapman and Susie Davis; his grandchildren: James Paul (Angela) Chapman, Brian (Angie), Brandi (Eric) Cameron, Arhmin (Steven) Thompson and Chelsey (Michael) Hicks; and his great-grandchildren: Joseph and Abram Chapman, Cole Chapman, Alexis and Megan Tracy, Emory, Truett, Willa and Elan Thompson and Carter Hicks. The family is grateful to Pearl Townsend, his Rook partner and special friend the last couple years of his life that brought him much joy. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. A Remembrance of Life Service will be held Thursday at 6 o’clock at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel with Rev. Phil Griffin officiating. The committal service will be held Friday at 11am, with military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The pallbearers will include Tony Murphy, Steven Thompson, Michael Hicks, Joseph Chapman, Eric Cameron, Brian Chapman, Tim McCullen and James Paul Chapman. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3 until 6 o’clock at the funeral home. The family requests that donations be made in Pappy’s memory to Gideons International by going to their website at www.gideons.org.

JD Pappy Chapman

June 3, 1925 - December 15, 2019