David Terrance Chapman

David Terrance Chapman, a loving husband, dedicated engineer, and die-hard Clemson Tiger fan, passed away on September 15, 2023, after a valiant battle with pneumonia. He was born on January 14, 1948, in Manchester, Georgia, to his beloved parents, Charlie Roy Chapman and Lillian Beatrice Cooksey Chapman. In addition to his parents, David is predeceased by a brother, Charles Tommy Chapman. 

Growing up in Cannons Campgrounds, David fostered his love for sports and the outdoors. Baseball and softball were an integral part of his youth and continued to bring him joy as an adult. Being an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves further exemplified his unwavering passion for the game. In fact, even in his younger years, David proudly drove an orange van adorned with a tiger tail sticking out of the back doors as a symbol of his undying loyalty to Clemson University. His home was a testament to his dedication to the Tigers, filled with walls adorned with various Clemson memorabilia and his bedroom had Clemson Orange carpet in his younger years.

After graduating from Dorman High School in 1966 as part of the inaugural senior class, David pursued higher education at Clemson University in 1967. He later went on to graduate from Spartanburg Methodist College and the University of SC Spartanburg. Equipped with knowledge from engineering studies, David embarked on a fruitful career that spanned over 22 years as an Industrial Engineer at Hoechst Celanese in Spartanburg. Passionate about serving others, he redirected his career path post-retirement by working as a TSA agent at both Raleigh Durham and Kinston Airports.

David's love for bowling led him to meet the love of his life during a bowling league at Hoechst Celanese. The moment he laid eyes on Lori Bailey Chapman, it was love at first sight. Their shared love for adventure and creating beautiful memories guided their journey together. Watching Nascar races in Talladega and Daytona, camping trips to Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach, and attending country music concerts were some of the many cherished moments they experienced as a couple. These memories would forever hold a place in their hearts.

Beyond his career and hobbies, David also served his community with dedication and honor as a National Guard member for many years. His commitment to duty was admirable and reflected his strong values of service.

David will be deeply missed by his surviving family members: his beloved wife of 39 years, Lori Bailey Chapman, daughters, Shelley Lawson (Wayne), and Crystal Mclellan, his granddaughters, Jessica Burns, Codie Smith, Hannah Gaston, as well as his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Tessigner, Connor Donahue, Rylan Cash, Ganon Gaston, sister, Cindy Wyatt (Steve) and former wife, Brenda White Davis who remains a dear friend to both David and Lori throughout the years.

To honor David’s remarkable life the family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 19th, from 6:00 -7:30 pm at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC  29307.  His funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, September 20, in the same location.
Memorials made be made in David’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation at https://secure.kidneyfund.org/

David leaves behind an indelible legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter.  He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and family man who lived and breathed Clemson Tigers his whole life.