Devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather, Thomas Gerald (Gerry) Chapman, age 87, went home to be with his LORD on October, 18 2018. He will be remembered for his service to God, love for his family and friends, and his wonderful sense of humor. Born on Jan 15, 1931, in Abbeville, GA, Gerry was one of seven children born to James and Myrtle Chapman. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Korean conflict upon the USS Essex, from 1948 - 1953.
After he completed his service, he attended Georgia Tech, graduating in 1956 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He later obtained a Masters from Tulane and did PhD work at the University of Tennessee. On June 13, 1954, Gerry married Emily Louise Brooks. They were married for 64 years, until her death on March 31, 2018.
Gerry and Emily settled in Knoxville in 1959 where he worked for Union Carbide and later TVA, from where he retired. During his life, Gerry enjoyed hunting, woodworking, Toastmasters, camping, family reunions, cards, and especially golfing (two holes in one). He was a devoted father, involved with any activity of his children, Mary Ann and Tom. On the weekends, you could find him rooting on the Braves, the Vols, Georgia Tech, and the Lady Vols.
He will be remembered most as a faithful servant to His LORD. He served as a Deacon, Elder, and Treasurer at West Hills Presbyterian Church. At First Baptist Church in Tellico Village he served as a faithful member and Sunday School teacher.
With a sad heart, Gerry leaves behind his younger sister Lena Bean, sister-in-law Jeanine Chapman, daughter and son-in-law Mary Ann and Philip Henderson, son and daughter-in-law Tom and Michael Ann Chapman. He also leaves grandchildren and grandson-in-law Katie Austin Anderson, grandson Tyler Henderson and grandson Nathan Chapman. Gerry is preceded in death by his wife Emily B. Chapman.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Woodstock Funeral Home 8855 Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday at Georgia Memorial Park 2000 Cobb Parkway Marietta, GA 30060 with Pastor Ted Lestor officiating and Phil Hodges providing music.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. Special thanks to God for his daughter-in-law and care-giver, Michael Ann Chapman and Northstar Place.
