Russell A. Chapman

Russell A. Chapman, 85, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2013 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born to Alfred and Mildred Chapman on May 17, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island. Russell grew up in the Oakland Beach neighborhood of Warwick, RI and graduated from Gorton High School in 1946. He dutifully served his country for 22 years as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. Many of those years were spent as a proud member of the VA-106 Squadron at Cecil Field. Russell retired from the Navy and continued his service to others by becoming a schoolteacher in Duval County. He taught electronics for 22 years at Ribault High School and the Westside Skills Center (now known as the Peterson Academy), after which he retired again, but not from serving others. He was a devoted Christian and longtime member of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, where he loved teaching Sunday School and participating in youth outreach ministries. He also served in the food pantry, as a breakfast cook, and as an usher at the church. Russell was an active member in the Optimist Club. He enjoyed coaching both girls’ softball and boys’ football at West Duval Youth Association during the 1970s. In addition, he was an avid Florida Gators and Boston Red Sox fan. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 65 wonderful years, Eddie; four sons, Roy (Donna), Donald (Holly), Kevin, and Gary (Iris); brother, Alfred (Cecile); 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends. Arrangements have been made under the care of Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home at 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, October 28, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A celebration of Russell’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 2:00 pm at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, 4758 Shelby Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32210, with an interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (Food Pantry) or Northeast Florida Community Hospice in Russell’s honor.