Jimmy Guy Chapman

Jimmy Guy Chapman, age 87, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Taylorsville House Assisted Living Center surrounded by his family.

Born in Alexander County on Monday, September 6, 1937,  Jimmy was the youngest child of the late William Butler (Sam) Chapman and Ora Chapman Chapman. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie Orren Chapman and their three children: Robin Meade and her husband Sam, Guy Chapman and his wife Kellie, and Janel Lingle. He was Pawpaw to six grandchildren: Victoria, Megan, Cory, Adam, Taylor (Brett), Ethan (Savannah) and great-grandson, Shepherd Lingle. As the only remaining uncle to several nieces and nephews, this leaves a void that cannot be filled. Jimmy was the nephew of the late Dessie Chapman Harrington and Gussie Chapman Rogers. He is survived by his maternal first cousins: James Rogers, Katherine Fox, Bobbie Jean Potts, Joann Kerley, Kay White, and Doug Harrington. For decades, he attended the Chapman Reunion where he greeted his old friends and family. His favorite song was “John Saw a City” by the Uriah Chapman family, in addition to the beautiful music by The Steve Dagenhart family and many others. Jimmy will be missed by his Chapman relatives this July at the reunion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eight siblings. Wilma Brown, Atwell Chapman, Fred Chapman, Hall Chapman, Hazel Harrington, David Chapman, Stella White, and Clyde Chapman.

As the youngest of nine children, his early years were spent on the family farm. He graduated in 1956 from Taylorsville High School, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America and also drove a school bus. He married Marie Orren at Little River Baptist Church on September 11, 1959, and was an active member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church for over 45 years.

Jimmy was a tireless worker who provided well for our family. He delivered the Charlotte Observer for 52 years. In 2006, he was recognized as an Anchor Business by the Town of Taylorsville for proudly serving Alexander County in this capacity. Jimmy was a truck driver, transporting locally manufactured furniture to both the east and west coasts. In later years, he also worked for the Town of Taylorsville as the Community Service Supervisor. Through this role, he gave dignity and respect to the inmates, serving as an encouraging, positive influence in their lives. On snowy winter days, Daddy was busy using one of his tractors to clear driveways and parking lots for his neighbors and area businesses. Without question, he found the most satisfaction raising beef cattle on his farm in the Little River community. Going to the cow sale, often with Clyde, mowing hay, and raising silver queen corn were what filled his days. “The Place” was his pride and joy, and he loved riding to see that property almost every day. He was always happiest on his red Massey-Ferguson tractor and driving up the country roads in the Little River community.

Our father was a faithful husband, loving Daddy and proud Pawpaw for over 65 years. He lived a simple, but good life, always happy to see his family and friends. Known and loved by many in our community, Daddy’s daily presence will be sorely missed. He was a humble, industrious man who was blessed with a long life.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6. The patriarch of our family is gone from this life, but we do not weep as those who have no hope. For we are confident that as believers in Christ our Savior, as was he, we will see him again, in just a little while.

On Tuesday June 17, Mr. Chapman will Lie-In-State between 1:00-5:00 PM, at Alexander Funeral Service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 18, from 2:00 pm until 3:45 pm at First United Methodist Church, Main Campus, 1400 NC-16, Taylorsville. Rev. Joel Simpson and Rev. Kevin White will conduct the funeral service on Wednesday, June 18 at 4:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery. Sam Meade, Cory Chapman, Adam Chapman, Ethan Lingle, William Chapman and Robert Chapman will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Brett Chapman and Steven Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Taylorsville House Assisted Living 350 School Drive, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or Alexander Hospice, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com