Robert Chapman

Robert Luther Chapman, 85, of Spartanburg, died Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at Eden Terrace. Born June 20, 1927, in Spartanburg, Cannons Campground Community, he was the son of the late Luther Grady and Sara Hughes Chapman. A U. S. Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Chapman participated in two atomic bomb tests. He founded Chapman Grading & Concrete Co. in 1968 and was recognized by the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987 as the Small Business Person of the Year. He also served two terms as president of Carolina Redi-Mix Concrete Association and was a member of the Promotional Board for the National Redi-Mix Concrete Association. Mr. Chapman was a great supporter of education in our community. He was a trustee for Spartanburg Methodist College and a member of the Trustee Emeritus Club, a USC Spartanburg-Carolina Piedmont Foundation Board of Directors member, and recipient of the Founder's Day Service Award. His influence in the area of education provided opportunities to serve with the Spartanburg County School District #3 for 16 years on the Board of Trustees, including 10 years as chairman during the building of Broome High School, Cliffdale, and Pacolet Elementary Schools. He also served on the Board of Directors for Spartanburg Community College and Daniel Morgan Vocational School. In addition, his civic commitments include being a member, president, and governor of the Ruritan Club, serving on the Board of the Civitan Rehabilitation Shop, serving as a Board member for the Piedmont Fairgrounds, and being an active and contributing member to the Spartanburg County 4-H organization. He was a graduate of Spartanburg High School and Wofford College where he played football with the '49ers. Later he received the Distinguished Service Award, was a member of the Hall of Fame, Lettermen's Club, President's Club, and Heritage Club with three grandchildren also attending Wofford. He was instrumental in recent restructuring of Wofford's front campus, Gibbs Stadium, the baseball field, and soccer field. Mr. Chapman was a lifelong member of Cannons Campground United Methodist Church. He served in many capacities including Lay Leader. He was a certified Lay Speaker for the SC Methodist Conference, board member of the Greater Spartanburg Ministries, and board member of the Pastoral Counseling Center. He lived a full and successful life that afforded him time to enjoy his hobbies of raising beef cattle, fishing, and officiating basketball at the high school and college level for 15 years. Surviving are his loving wife, Hilda Snipes Chapman; daughters, Donna C. Kennedy and husband Whit, Joy C. Oates and husband Walter, and Ansie C. Hatchette and husband Chuck, daughter-in-law, Sheila H. Chapman, all of Spartanburg; grandchildren, Whitner Kennedy and wife Sarah of Greenville, Rob Kennedy, Ruthie and Monty Oates, Bern and Christopher Jungkind, Hammon and David Hatchette, Liza and Luke Chapman, all of Spartanburg; sister, Ethel C. Bennett of Spartanburg; and brother-in-law, Joe D. Snipes of Lancaster. He was predeceased by his son, Robert L. "Robby" Chapman, Jr.; and a brother, Jack H. Chapman. Visitation will be 12:00-1:45 PM Friday, August 10, 2012, at Cannons Campground United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Paul M. Kinnett and the Rev. Kenneth Bobo. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Honorary escort is the members of Cannons Campground Ruritan Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cannons Campground United Methodist Church Benevolence Fund, 3450 Cannons Campground Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or Wofford College, c/o The Chapman Campus Beautification Fund, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert L. Chapman please visit our Sympathy Store.