James Derry Chapman

James Derry Chapman, devoted son of the late James Hamilton and Myrtle DeLoach Chapman, was ushered into his eternal rest Sunday evening, September 30, 2012, with prayers and the singing of his favorite hymns by members of his family gathered around his bedside. He loved his family and his church, Park Memorial United Methodist Church, of which he was a loyal member, church leader, volunteer, and generous host to every pastor for 65 years. Mr. Chapman was born in Abbeville, GA, June 1, 1926. In 1944, after his family had moved to Macon in 1942, he graduated from Lanier High School for Boys. A member of "The Greatest Generation," he entered the U.S. Army in March, 1945, where he served his country in the Asian Pacific Theater during World War II. He retired from Robins AFB after more than 40 years and became well known to Maconites for his excellent homemade sausages, Brunswick stew, and cured hams. Local hunters also knew him for his expertise in deer processing. In addition to the time he gave to his church, he was a generous volunteer for many civic organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, and he served as president of his local NARFE Chapter. Mr. Chapman is survived by brothers Robert Hamilton (Jeannine) and Gerald Thomas (Emily) Chapman, sister Lena Chapman Bean; nephews Harold Chapman, Jr., Ronald Holt, Donald Holt, Bernard ("Rusty") Bean, Jr., Thomas Chapman, Jr.; nieces Nelda Chapman, Marsha Moneyhan, Dianne Bean-Barfield, Mary Ann Henderson; 21 great nieces and nephews, 20 great-great nieces and nephews; oldest surviving member of the James Thomas Chapman family Margaret Lavona Raney; a host of other Chapman and DeLoach cousins; "adopted" niece Judy Perry; and his loyal friend and caretaker of 42 years, Alberta ("Bert") Mosley. He was preceded in death by brothers Harold Leonard and Carl Lawrence Chapman; sister Martha Chapman Holt Johnson; niece Anne Chapman and nephew Robert Chapman, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted from his church, Park Memorial UMC, at 10 o'clock Thursday, October 4, with the Reverends Sam Lamback and Cecil Hazen officiating. Burial will follow at Macon Memorial Park. The family will greet friends at Hart's on Cherry St. Wednesday, October 3rd, 6-8 PM. Donations may be made to Park Memorial UMC or to the National Kidney Foundation. The family can be contacted at the residence of Harold and Freeda Chapman, 1291 Wesleyan Dr., Macon.