Curtis Eugene Chaffin

Curtis Eugene Chaffin, dedicated Atlanta Braves fan, talented wood carver, lover of travel and the simple pleasures of life, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, July 2, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents, Mabin Curtis Chaffin and Bessie Ford Chaffin, and his brothers, Bob Chaffin and Jim Chaffin. Curtis survived by his wife of 38 years, Jean Raymer Chaffin, daughter Christol Creason Chaffin (Franklin, TN), and step-daughters Kimberly May (Mike) Hayes and Karen May (Jim) Marklein, and his grandchildren Madelyn Raymer Hayes (Dallas, TX), Emily Caroline Creason (Tampa, FL), Robert Cade Marklein, Michael Glenn (Savannah) Hayes, Jr. (Florence, KY), and Claire Patton Marklein.

Always living life on his own terms, Curtis was dearly loved by all who met him, but his wife, Jean Raymer Chaffin, loved him above all else. Curtis and Jean met in 1978, married in 1983, and despite Curtis’ lifelong commitment to frugality, they enjoyed everything life had to offer—RV camping, cruises, a winter home in Florida, several Dodge trucks, and an unlimited supply of Bazooka bubble gum.

Curtis was always surrounded by women and often remarked that he needed one more woman to tell him what to do. His daughter, Christol Creason Chaffin, was the joy and pride of his life, until his granddaughter, Emily Caroline Creason (Tampa, FL) was born. As his little red-head, Caroline lit up his world with love. The other women in Curtis’ life were his step-daughters Kimberly May Hayes and Karen May Marklein. Curtis was the model step-father to Kim and Karen, only raising his voice to Karen when she backed out of the garage with the garage door still down. He may have raised his voice with Kim on numerous other occasions. His first granddaughter Madelyn Raymer Hayes of Dallas, TX gave him his favorite name, “Papa.” Madelyn and Papa’s youngest granddaughter, Claire Patton Marklein, were at the top of his list of favorite women. Papa was Claire’s biggest fan no matter what she was participating in—theater, soccer, basketball, or volleyball.

His grandsons, Robert Cade Marklein and Michael Glenn Hayes, Jr (Florence, KY) spiced up Papa’s time with camping, fishing, baseball, football, and skeet shooting.

Speaking of skeet shooting, it’s difficult to even list all of Curtis’ interests and talents. He loved the Tennessee Volunteers, the music of Charlie Pride and Glenn Campbell, hunting deer and ducks, and carving lighthouses, owls, and classic American art. Curtis was proud to say he was born on the 4th of July. He served his country in the Army, and after retiring from DuPont, he traveled to all 50 states. It is no surprise that Curtis was such a family man, being one of 7 siblings and a dedicated son. His favorite place in the world was Old Hickory Village, where he knew everyone and everyone knew him.

Curtis will most certainly be missed.

Gathering of family and friends Thursday July 7, 2022 from 4:00-8:00pm and Friday, July 8 from 9:00-11:00am at Hermitage Funeral Home. There will be a family graveside service at 11:00am, officiated by Doyle Farris.

Special thanks to Curtis' caregivers: Michelle and Christy (High Point Hospice); Shari Chatman (Preferred Home Health); Pamela B and Jasmine J (Be Blessed Home Care), and to Curtis’ “girlfriend,” Vanessa Moore. We couldn’t have made it through the last few months with you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org/

High Point Hospice, https://lhcgroup.com/locations/highpoint-hospice/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=GMB&utm_campaign=google_my_business

Be Blessed Home Care, 141 New Shackle Island Rd., Hendersonville, TN