Knightdale - Donald Lee Chapman, age 81, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, July 4, 2021 in the home he and his wife built 30 years ago.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at McLaurin's Funeral Home, Clayton, NC. A time of remembrance for Don will be held at 12:00 noon, followed by a Military Honor Guard ceremony at the Pinecrest Memorial Park at 12:15 pm.
He was born July 26, 1939 in Buckhannon, West Virginia to the late Gordon Lee Chapman and Mary Royer Chapman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifford Chapman and Russell Chapman; and grandson Greyson Sutton
Following in his father's footsteps, Don enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of 17. Later, he enlisted in the US Air Force and retired with a total of 20 years military service. Duty stations outside of the United States included North Africa, Vietnam, and Germany.
Don enjoyed and was known for his incredible creativity and diverse hobbies: trains and model trains, wood inlay, leather work, electronics, photography, welding and metal work, cooking, HVAC servicing and repair, woodworking, small engine repair, military vehicle restoration, and bricklaying. More commonly known as "Big Don," he was always willing to help fix a lawnmower and to be consulted with a fix-it problem.
Big Don is survived by his wife Pat Chapman, his life long companion for over 60 years; his four daughters: Cynthia Thompson and husband Jimmy Thompson, Velinda Chapman, Dee Collett and husband Guy Collett, and Zina Sutton and husband Mike Sutton; grandchildren: Tony, Michelle, Trey, Deanna, Patrick, Anna, Samantha, Carlton, Maranda, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Brian, Makalya, Kaitlynn, Austin, Tony, Garrett, Jerzy, Jace, Piper, Mackenzie, Oaklee, McKynlee, Rylee, Fynlee, Linkin, Racheal, and Paislee; and great-great-grandchildren: Ava and Amelia.
Online condolences to the family may be made at: [email protected].
McLaurin Funeral home is honored to be assisting the Chapman family.
