Celebrating the life of
Joseph M. Chapman, Jr.
August 13, 1927 - November 22, 2013
Joseph M. Chapman, Jr. – Savannah, GA, – Joe 86, passed away Friday, November 22, 2013 at his residence under the care of Hospice Savannah with his loving wife Carolyn and family at his side. Born in Hapeville, GA, August 13, 1927, the eldest son of Bessie Estelle Woodall Mitchell and Joseph Maurice Chapman, Sr., he graduated from Decatur Boy's High, Decatur, GA. and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving from 1945 to 1947. Following an honorable discharge he attended Georgia Tech earning a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 1951, beginning his engineering career with Standard Oil of Ohio in Cleveland and Lima, OH. Returning to Georgia in 1957, Joseph began a long career in the paper industry, joining ITT Rayonier in Jesup. In 1964 he moved to Savannah with Union-Camp Corporation serving a number of functions in the engineering department; beginning as the power plant construction superintendent for the Prattville, AL plant and subsequently rising to the position of Senior Corporate Engineer and Project Manager in Savannah until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement, Joseph and his wife Carolyn moved the family to Franklin, TN., where they lived until 2011, when they returned to Savannah, purchasing a home on Skidaway Island. Joseph was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, with his membership at Franklin United Methodist in Franklin, TN.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Brown Chapman, six children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Children with first wife, Mary Ann Beddingfield Chapman deceased are John Michael wife Pamela of Ogden, UT, Laura Chapman Benson husband Keith of Brentwood, TN, and David Evan of Savannah. With Carolyn; Jody Colleen of Seattle, WA, and stepchildren James Kevin Slater wife Mickey and Kathy Slater Branson. Grandchildren: John Matthew and Amy Christine Chapman; Kyle wife Emily and Jessica Benson; Jennifer, Bryan, and Isabell Slater; Evan and Dallas Chapman; Rachel, Sarah, Amy Camille, and Kate Branson; great grandchild Braden Daniel Ausbrooks. His only brother David Ronald of Salem, OR preceded Joseph in death in 2009.
Memorial Service is set for Wednesday, November 27 at three in the afternoon at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Joseph's family requests donations be made in his memory to the Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN or to Hospice Savannah, Inc. P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Carolyn, so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You are on my mind and in my heart. Prayers to you and your family.
- Sandy Carland, Franklin, TN
Dear Carolyn and family, I grieve with you in Joe's death. I enjoyed working with him at Union Camp on many occasions. He was the consummate professional engineer. He was always a gentleman in everything he did. I know that he loved all of you very much. Our prayers and concerns are with you. Steve Lewis
- Steve Lewis, Savannah, GA
To the Family of Mr. Chapman: Although I did not personally know your dear loved one, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest sympathy to your family. No doubt the loss of such a dear loved one will be felt by many. Long ago the faithful man Job asked if an able bodied man died could he live again. The comforting answer is yes. Jehovah God yearns to bring back those who have died. Job 14:13-15 May this and other promises in the Bible continue to comfort your family.
- Mrs. Khan, , GA
Mrs. Chapman and family: Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you during this time of grief. We wish you all comfort and hope that you know we are just a step away if there is anything we can do for you. Much love, Jimmy, Geri and Jami Sanders
- Geri Sanders, Savannah, GA
Carolyn, so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You are on my mind and in my heart. Prayers to you and your family.
- Sandy Carland, Franklin, TN
Dear Carolyn and family, I grieve with you in Joe's death. I enjoyed working with him at Union Camp on many occasions. He was the consummate professional engineer. He was always a gentleman in everything he did. I know that he loved all of you very much. Our prayers and concerns are with you. Steve Lewis
- Steve Lewis, Savannah, GA
To the Family of Mr. Chapman: Although I did not personally know your dear loved one, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest sympathy to your family. No doubt the loss of such a dear loved one will be felt by many. Long ago the faithful man Job asked if an able bodied man died could he live again. The comforting answer is yes. Jehovah God yearns to bring back those who have died. Job 14:13-15 May this and other promises in the Bible continue to comfort your family.
- Mrs. Khan, , GA
Mrs. Chapman and family: Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you during this time of grief. We wish you all comfort and hope that you know we are just a step away if there is anything we can do for you. Much love, Jimmy, Geri and Jami Sanders
- Geri Sanders, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
