James Edwin Chapman

Smithfield:

James Edwin “Buddy” Chapman Jr., of Smithfield passed away at his home on Tuesday July 31, 2018. Buddy was born December 19^th, 1929 to the late James Edwin Chapman Sr. and Mary Salome Kent Chapman. Born and raised in Smithfield, Buddy graduated from Smithfield High School in 1950 where he played on the first SHS football team. After high school he served in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged in 1956. He then spent thirty-six years working at Newport News Shipbuilding where he retired as a marine designer. After retirement from the shipyard, he received his U.S. Merchant Marine Officer license from the U.S. Coast Guard. Buddy was a member of George F. Dashiell American Legion Post 49 for forty-five years where he also served as the zone Lieutenant Governor. He also was a member and past president of the Smithfield Ruritan Club for Sixty years. Buddy was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.  He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years Patricia Jones Chapman, son James “Jimmy” E. Chapman III, and three daughters Patricia C. O’Neal (Dock), Penny C. Stanley (Sonny), and Marianne C. Mills (Gary). Buddy has nine grandchildren Jessalyn, Dock, Jaime, Justin, Jeremy, Vincent, Aubrey, Sarah, and Reagan and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Edwina “Eddie K.” C. Willard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two half-sisters Henrietta C. Gwaltney and Caroline C. Bell. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 4^th, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Dan Elmore officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the residence. The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Isle of Wight Christian Outreach, P.O. Box 253 Smithfield, VA 23431 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar Street Smithfield, VA 23430.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.