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Richard Chappelear Obituary

CHAPPELEAR, Richard Richard Lee Chappelear passed away Wednesday, February 18 at Emory Johns Creek Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in Dixon, Illinois, Rick moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1950. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School in 1955, he joined the Navy, serving in the Submarine Service, then transferred to Navy Flight School. Upon graduation, Rick accepted a Commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and flew jet fighters. Upon completing active service in 1960, he continued to serve as a Fighter Pilot in the USMC reserves. After graduating from Florida State University in 1964, Rick was hired by Delta Air Lines as a pilot and enjoyed flying until he retired as a B-767 Captain in 1997. Upon retirement, he moved from Sandy Springs, Georgia, to Lake Hartwell where actively participated in the Golden K Kiwanis Club, putting his woodworking skills to use by building wheelchair ramps throughout the community. Rick is survived by daughters Cheryl Chappelear Cunningham and Christy Chappelear Andrews, grandchildren Sara, Chap, & Kyle Cunningham, and Porter Andrews, all of the Atlanta area, and ex-wife Charlyne Chappelear Steele of Jasper. Donations can be made in Rick's memory to the Hart County Golden K, to continue the efforts of the wheelchair ramps to which he was so dedicated--P.O. Box 832, Hartwell, GA 30643. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Chappelear

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February 14, 2021

I was fortunate enough to be a friend of Richard's and flew with him many times. He also gave me my initial line check on the DC-9. I cherish all my memories with him. Rest in peace good friend. Jerry

May 14, 2015

Saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He is my 1st cousin on his mother's side. His mother, my aunt Maggie and my father, Calvin James, were. Brother and sister. Last time I saw Rick was when he had a layover in Chicago while flying for Delta, and his mother, who was visiting me at the time, went with me to Chi to see him. He was kind enough to send me our grandfathers ring and other mementos from the James family.as he knew I had been working on the James genealogy book. Would be happy to share genealogy info with Cheeyl or Christy, if interested. Judy James. 18409 Lange St. Lansing, Il. 708. 474. 6328

April 12, 2015

We were so saddened to learn of Captain Rick leaving us. He was one of the best guys we knew. He will be deeply missed.

Deepest Sympathies,

TJ & Debbie Galvin
Hartwell &
Watkinsville,Georgia

Lisa Haas Marshall

March 18, 2015

So sorry for your families loss! Cheryl, I have fond memories of him when we'd go visit his home for sleepovers. Thinking about you and your family at this time.

Sherry Brown

March 12, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Rick's death. He was a good friend of my late husband, Charlie Brown, who was also a Delta pilot. Rick lived next door to Charlie in Marietta...and they shared many good times together. I also had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family and friends during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Sherry Brown
Delta Flight Attendant

Tom Hardigree

March 2, 2015

So sorry to hear about Rick's passing. I've known him for several years during his retirement at Lake Hartwell. I have been his realtor for a couple of years. He was a great friend.

James Hoogerwerf

February 24, 2015

Dear Family and Friends of Captain Rick Chappelear,

On behalf of the Delta Golden Wings, the fraternal organization of retired Delta pilots, of which Rick Chappelear was a member, I wish to extend to his family and friends the condolences and sympathies of our members at his passing.

The bond of friendship and respect from the time shared as line pilots for Delta Air Lines, both professionally and personally, is an enduring memory of Captain Rick Chappelear. He will not be forgotten.

Sincere Best Wishes,
Capt. James J. Hoogerwerf (ret.)
DGW, Secretary

Linda Stein

February 24, 2015

I knew Rick through his family. His daughter, Christy worked with me for 15 years. I saw the kind of warmth, integrity, honor and respect he taught his children. I know that will be passed on to his grandchildren. We need more people like Rick in the world. I am so sorry that he is no longer with us.

Bob Reinisch

February 22, 2015

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (On USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Cheryl Chappelear Cunningham and Christy Chappelear Andrews and all of the Chappelear family and friends in your loss and sorrow. May God whisper peace into your hearts and comfort and heal them. We are grateful for Rick's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Dolphin "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country." -- Chaplain Bob Reinisch, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

February 21, 2015

Rick and I go back a ways: high school, flight training, and Delta. He will be missed.
His high school classmates were notified and have responded handsomely and express their condolences.
Our thoughts are with you.
Neil Gatewood and family.

Wayne "Harpo" Padgett

February 21, 2015

One of the greatest men I have ever known. May you rest in peace my friend.

Sue Stone

February 21, 2015

To Ricks Family
I was saddened to here of Rick's passing, my sincere condolences to you all. Rick was one of the good guys to fly with for us in the cabin. May he rest in peace.

Patsy Seavers

February 21, 2015

So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We went to St. Pete High together and he was a good friend of my ex and me during those years. Such a fun guy. He will be remembered fondly.

Alan Erisman

February 21, 2015

I flew with Rick quite a bit on the 757-767 fleet. I am also a former FSU grad. He used to put the Electric City navaid in the FMS anytime we came in from the north to show where he lived on Lake Hartwell. My wife and I recently purchased a lake lot there so now I find myself doing the same thing on my approaches from the north!

Jim Gardner

February 21, 2015

Sorry about the news. Rick and I shared lots of good times together. He will be missed.

Olen Akers

February 21, 2015

To Rick's family,
My sincere condolences on Rick's passing. May God grant you peace and know that He will call all of us home one day where we will be joined with our loved ones.
Rick and I were 2LTs in VMA-311 at El Toro in 1960 and shared a house in Laguna Beach for a while.

February 21, 2015

Great friend. Loved flying with Rick

Nick Nichols

February 20, 2015

To the Chappelear Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Richard's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Richard will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot.

Richard Lee Chappelear
US Navy Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain

Anne

February 20, 2015

May the God of all Comfort help you during this time of loss. 2 Cor. 1:3

Julian Black

February 20, 2015

Captain Chappelear was a great guy to fly with. I flew co-pilot for him many times.
Our heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless!

Bill Feldman

February 20, 2015

Your dad/grandfather was such a great guy. I used to fly copilot for him on the DC9, and it was always such a pleasure to be around him. Every time I saw him he had a huge Cheshire Cat grin.

Fred Harris

February 20, 2015

Rick was always one of the pilots I enjoyed flying with the most. We had a lot of laughs together and he will be greatly missed. A fine pilot and a great instructor. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down my good friend.

Don Nelson

February 20, 2015

Sorry to hear about your last trip out. It reminds of our days at East Point, and trips on the 880.

irene rev.21:4

February 20, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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