Edwin Tommy Chapman, age 85, of Armuchee, GA, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family by his side.
Born December 30, 1939, in Tignall, GA, he was the son of Thomas Chapman and Mary (Castleberry) Chapman, proud and hardworking sharecroppers who instilled in him a lifelong commitment to integrity, hard work, and service. He was the eighth of nine children and shared a deep bond with his brothers and sisters.
Tommy spent many years honing his craft as a skilled carpenter and was employed for much of his career by S.I. Storey Lumber Company. His incredible work ethic and craftsmanship left a lasting mark on the community he loved, from countless personal projects to thousands of hours of cheerful service. His work can still be seen today, from the historic Cherokee cabins built at Red Clay State Historic Park, to the massive wooden flume along the Ocoee River, and the restored Civil War cannons on Jackson Hill in Rome.
A longtime member of Old Armuchee Baptist Church, his woodworking talents continue to be enjoyed by the congregation today. He also shared his time as an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 56, where he made a lasting, positive impact on many young men’s lives.
More than anything, he loved his family and cherished simple pleasures, especially road trips to the mountains and to his ancestral home of Cherokee, North Carolina.
He is survived by his loving wife, Johnnie (Smith) Chapman of Armuchee; his children, Tommy Darnell (Gail) of Kingston, Reggy Chapman (Christy) of Armuchee, and John Adam Chapman (Annie) of Armuchee; his grandchildren, Sarah Sisson (Dalton), Jacob Chapman, Ashley Gilbreath (Dalton), Levi Miller (Elizabeth), Catherine Chapman, and Mary Frances Chapman; and his great-grandchildren, Baylee Wright, Kinsley Sisson, and Lexi Gilbreath.
His life was a reflection of service, family, and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at Old Armuchee Baptist Church, located at 6648 Big Texas Valley Road NW, Rome, GA 30165, on Sunday, July 6th at 3:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Cure Childhood Cancer on the web at www.curechildhoodcancer.org/donate-to-cure or by mail, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 250, Atlanta, Georgia 30338.
Coffman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Edwin Tommy Chapman.
Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.
