Jimmy Ward Chapman

Jimmy Ward Chapman, 69, of Rustburg, VA died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Paulette Marie Myers Chapman for 42 yeras. Born in Leckie, WV on May 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Kelly Stewart Chapman and Flossie Myrtle Thompson Chapman. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Sarah Chapman Thacker and her husband Ronald of Rustburg, VA; two sons, Jimmy Chapman and wife Angela of Lenoir, NC and Kelly Chapman and wife Ashley of Hurt, VA; five brothers, Billy Chapman and wife, Judy of Thorpe, WV, Thurman Chapman and wife Linda and Claude (Sop) Chapman both of Anawalt, WV and Bobby Chapman and wife Maxine of Lynchburg, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his grandchildren that he absolutely adored, Katelyn (Papa's lil punkin) Thacker and Kaycie (Papa's lil angel) Thacker of Rustburg, VA and Konner (Papa's lil buddy) Chapman and Anna (Papa's lil girl) Chapman of Hurt, VA, and Steven and Kevin Chapman of Lenoir, NC and a step-granddaughter, Emilie Phelps of Hurt, VA and special friends, Bart Wines of Marshall, VA, Charlie Reed of Gloucester, VA, and Gary Peters of Rustburg VA. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Marie Chapman; brothers, Daniel Ray "Donnie" Chapman and Michael Wayne Chapman Sr.; sister, Shelby Jean Chapman Moorehead; niece, Paula Denise Bailey; nephew, Michael Wayne Chapman Jr. (Mikey); as well as his best friend James (Jim) Gaddy Sr. Jimmy served his country for six years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and earned a SP5 rank. He earned many medals during his service time which included the Meritorious Unit Commendation medal; Driver and Mechanic Badge with mechanical bar; Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Medal. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service from Norfolk Southern Railroad. He was an avid fisherman. Jimmy also loved to cook for family and friends and was known by many for his sense of humor. Jimmy was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2015 at Finch and Finch Chapel, Altavista, VA with the Rev. Donnie Stevens and Pastor Mack Almond officiating. The family will receive friends from7-8:30 p.m., Sunday, and all other times at the residents. The family would like to thank the staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice, especially Jen Lindamood and Ann Staton, for the wonderful care they provided to our husband/Daddy during his illness. The family request that any contributions you wish to make be made to The American Cancer Society, 2050 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Jimmy Ward Chapman

May 8, 1945 - March 14, 2015