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Tampa, FL - Richard Christian Chapman, 57, a beloved child of God, departed this life on January 9, 2018, after a long courageous battle with frontotemporal degeneration. A native of Asheville, NC, he was an honors graduate from T.C. Roberson High School, and a member of the regional championship soccer team, before matriculating to N.C. State University where he received a B.S. degree also with honors in chemical engineering followed by a B.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering and an M.S. degree in materials science & engineering. Mr. Chapman had an outstanding career in the semiconductor industry involving travel throughout the United States and the world garnering both patents and invention disclosures. He served for some time as a member of the engineering advisory board at Virginia Commonwealth University. We wish to thank his many friends and work colleagues for their contributions to his life and express special appreciation to the Department of the Navy who graciously worked with him during the onset of his illness.
He was predeceased by his mother, Leona Schultze Chapman and his father, James M. Chapman, Sr. Mr. Chapman is survived by his wife, Elaine, and two beautiful daughters, Lindsay and Shelby and a grandson, Noah, to all of whom he was completely devoted. Mr. Chapman is further survived by his two brothers, Steven F. Chapman, M.D. (Michelle) and James M. Chapman Jr., PhD.
His devotion to his family was further characterized by coaching his daughter's soccer teams and camping with them and other fathers as part of the Indian Princess Program. Throughout his life he was also extraordinarily devoted to his alma mater, N.C. State and its Wolfpack athletic teams.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Blount and Curry Funeral Home, January 15, 2018 with an 10:00am visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1711 E 11th Ave, Tampa, FL, 33605, followed by a Mass at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, Tampa. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (www.theaftd.org), Radnor, Pennsylvania.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Garden Of Memories Funeral Home.
January 18, 2018
Sandra Johnson
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers up for the Chapman family.May Our Lord Give you much comfort during this difficult time.
January 16, 2018
Brenda Timmer
So sorry for your loss, your family is in my prayers.
January 16, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your loved one. It is encouraging to know that in the very near future God's promises will be fulfilled. (1 Cor. 15:26, Hosea 13:14)
January 15, 2018
Richard will be missed by everyone who knew him, he was truly one of the "good guys". I had the pleasure of growing up with him and the rest of the gang from Oak Forest. Jim, Steve and Richard's family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. .....Hayden Harrell
January 14, 2018
Friend
Jerry Taylor
So sorry to hear about Richard's passing. We grew up two houses away, and he was a great friend from kindergarten through high school.... as were all the guys in the neighborhood. We never knew how wonderful Oak Forest was growing up, but as time passes we now understand how special it was to have friends like Richard, Billy, Hayden, Greg, Alan, Bob, Ros and Barry. We were inseparable as youths, and I have wonderful memories of time together. Prayers for peace and comfort to all the Chapman family.
January 14, 2018
Elaine and family,
My prayers for you all. So sorry I never met Richard. He graced so many lives. Hugs to you all. He will be with you always watching over you. Love, Dolores Frey Prendergast
January 13, 2018
To Richards family, I offer my deepest condolences. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, may that bring you comfort at this difficult time.
January 13, 2018
Friend
Alan Kenny
Richard was a good friend to me in high school. I always looked up to him. My condolences to Richards family and loved ones.
January 13, 2018
Gene Bowman
Jim and Steve..........So very sorry to get this news about Richard. He fought a long and courageous battle with his illness. Mary and I will be thinking of you and your family during this sad and difficult time.
January 12, 2018
Billy Blanke
To all the Chapman family my condolences. Richard was one of my closest friends growing up in NC and we had many, many laughs together. He was a great friend.
January 12, 2018
Michele Swicegood Demetriou
Elaine, Lindsay, Shelby, Steve and Jim, and to all of those who love Richard, I am holding you all in my heart and in my prayers.
I have such fond memories of Richard from high school. He was a wonderful and brilliant friend. This is a loss to all who knew him.
January 12, 2018
Cathy (Lodato) & Dennis Smith
Our deepest condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 12, 2018
Janice Miles Arden
Deepest condolences to Jim and Steve, along with the rest of Richard's family. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
January 12, 2018
the Kallis family
Richard was a great friend during our time in Richmond. We are deeply thankful to have known him. Long-distance greetings and may youll be sheltered in the knowledge of that old Gospel: We will overcome some day...
January 11, 2018
Friend
Carolyn Dunlap
Our deepest sympathies from the Treece Family. We will keep the Chapmans in our prayers.
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