Robert Thomas “Bobby” Chapman, age 96, of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed away on May 25, 2024, after a brief illness. Bobby was born on January 22, 1928, and was one of seven children.
He graduated from Shiloh High School and immediately joined the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. Upon discharge, he remained in the Navy Reserves until 1950, when he returned to active duty to serve on the USS Renville during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he met and married the love of his life, Juanita. They moved to Nashville, where he started his career with DuPont. It was also in Nashville that they started their family of three sons and one daughter. His 30-year career with DuPont brought with it regular moves to various cities in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. Following retirement in 1984, he and Juanita moved back to Lawrenceburg where they spent the rest of their lives. He attended Pulaski Street Church of Christ.
Bobby was an avid golfer and fisherman. He and Juanita also enjoyed traveling all over the country with family in their RV and attending UT Vols football games. He loved spending time with brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Lee and Mary Elizabeth Crowder Chapman; his wife of 62 years, Juanita Price Chapman; three sisters, Bernice Bailey, Mary Frances Chapman, and Mildred Couch; three brothers, J.M. Chapman, Billy Chapman, and Paul Chapman; and daughter-in-law, Kay Chapman.
He is survived by sons, Alan Chapman (Sheila), Wayne Chapman, and David Chapman (Pat); daughter, Teresa Carey (Jim); five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 1:00 PM Friday, May 31, 2024, with Jacob Evans officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery – Sugar Creek in Lawrence County, TN with full military honors. The family suggests memorials be made in Bobby’s name to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund.
