Richard Chapman

Richard Andrew Chapman passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024 at his home in Ringgold, Georgia at eighty-eight years of age. As a lifelong Christian with a gregarious nature and goodness of spirit, Richard never met a stranger, but he was foremost a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to many. Richard will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Born in Minneapolis, MN to Andrew and Meta Chapman on July 8, 1936, Richard lived much of his life in Texas. He spent his childhood in Brownsville with his sister Patricia, where he was known around town as "the barefoot boy" due to his proclivity for never wearing shoes-a trait that he maintained for the entirety of his life. It's said that everything is bigger in Texas, and Richard's larger-than-life personality was no exception. From his years in Brownsville onward, his infectious smile and charming personality drew people in, buoyed by his innate curiosity and care.

Richard's career centered around his lifelong love of golf. After graduating from Brownsville High School at which he discovered his love for the sport, Richard went on to attend and play golf at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1958. Following graduation, he began playing in PGA Tour events and worked as a golf pro at various country clubs soon after. He then coached at Lake Dallas High School before beginning to sell golf equipment. In the later years of his career, he was the proud coach of the University of Dallas's golf team from 1976-1984 prior to working for The Golf Card for about a decade until his retirement.

He met his wife Carolyn in 1964 when he was playing in PGA Tour events, and they married just a couple of months later. Spending much of their life in the Dallas area, Richard and Carolyn raised three children together, celebrating many milestones such as college graduations, marriages, and the arrivals of their grandchildren.

As a father, Richard was loving, reliable, supportive, enthusiastic, and always present in his children's lives. In every moment that he was able, Richard relished spending time with his children and grandchildren, whether listening to music together in the car, taking everyone out for ice cream, cruising on the lake, enjoying various musical performances, or showing up to each sporting event and taking detailed notes on the team's stats. He often liked to quote lyrics from "You've Got a Friend" to family members as they'd leave his house, singing "Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is call, and I'll be there!" as they pulled out of the driveway. He was the guy to call with any and every need-indeed, he would be there.

He was also incredibly organized, ensuring his belongings had a proper place and were kept clean and tidy. He never missed a birthday, always the first to call to sing his signature birthday song, which included English, Spanish, and "dog woof" variations-a nod to his lifelong love of dogs. Richard also had a great appreciation for music, listening to genres ranging from church hymns to patriotic songs to his favorite artist, Elvis. He had a true zest for life and all the wonderful things it had to offer.

Richard is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 60 years, their three children and their spouses, and their eight grandchildren: Richard (Carol) Chapman and their children Courtney (Wes) and Cierra of Ennis, TX; Cathy (Brad) Brady and their children Briana, Quinn, and Calla of Chattanooga, TN; and Christine (Tim) Zajonc and their children Emma, Ella, and James of Johnson City, TN.

A memorial service will be held to commemorate the life of Richard at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Ringgold United Methodist Church. The family will welcome visitors at the church from 10:30-11:00 AM, and a reception will follow the service.