Harold Eugene Chafin

Harold Eugene Chafin, 72, of Pearisburg, Va., went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 10, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Eugene Chafin and Ruth Akers Chafin.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Norma Johnston Chafin; four children, Sheree Williams and husband, Mike, of Chilhowie, Teri Eppling and husband, Ricky, of Pembroke, Steven Chafin and wife, Sandra, of Pearisburg, and Janet Millirons and husband, Morgan, of Pembroke; 10 grandchildren, Geof Allen and wife, Shannon, Josh Allen and wife, EJ, Seth and Shay Davis, Adam Eppling and wife, Beth, Andrew Eppling, Kyle and Elise Chafin, and Anna Morgan and Eli Millirons; and one greatgrandchild, Nolan Eppling. He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn Chafin Johnston, of Blacksburg; two sister-in-laws, Sallie Moore, of Hickory, N.C., and Brenda Mutter and husband, Melvin, of Yorktown, Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as a host of friends.
Harold was born and raised in Riner, Va. He spent his adult life in Giles County where he worked as a banker and contributed his time and energy to numerous professional and civic organizations. Harold had a passion for Giles High School athletics and, as "The Voice of the Spartans." Harold was also a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and could almost always be seen sporting a Red Sox hat. He enjoyed golfing and will be remembered by his golfing friends by all the pranks he liked to play on them. He was very quick-witted and will be remembered by many for his great sense of humor.
Far more important than his professional, civic, or other interests, his family was Harold's foremost passion and pride, especially his grandchildren. Known to them as "Poppa," he was a reliable presence over the years during their milestone transitions such as graduations and weddings, as well as during all their more routine events, such as ballgames and dance recitals. Most importantly, Poppa was an ever-present source of love and encouragement in their daily lives, and it is not surprising that he was the topic of choice in countless school writing assignments about "The Person I Most Admire."
In tribute to the significance of Harold's impact on their lives, his grandchildren wish to share the following thoughts:

Geof
Poppa taught me that laughter was without a doubt the best medicine for everything. I would like to think I inherited his sense of humor. He also taught me how to treat everybody with dignity and respect.
Josh
My Poppa meant the world to me. He always gave me good advice about being the best I could be in everything I did. I'll never forget him and he will always hold a huge spot in my heart!
Seth
Poppa was everything we could ask for in a grandfather. We played a lot of cards together and he was my "Ace of Trumps" and will always be "the champ" in my heart. I hope that I can be half the man he was. I will always love him!
Shay
My grandfather was far from ordinary. He was loved by everyone who knew him. When I needed a good laugh or smile, I knew he was the one to run to. He will always have a special place in my heart so that I can carry him with me forever.
Adam
Words can't describe what kind of grandfather he was. I'll never forget the countless trips and ballgames he would take me to and him always calling me before my games telling me at the end of our conversations to "go get 'em tiger". I will always love him!
Andrew
Harold Chafin was not a regular grandfather to me, he was my Poppa, full of love, energy, pride, enthusiasm and encouragement. It always made him happy to hear about my grades or sports accomplishments. He loved me with all his heart and often told me he loved me. I will always miss and love him.
Kyle
Poppa was the one who taught me to play basketball. He is the reason I play. He never missed one of my games. If I won or lost, it never mattered because he was always proud of me and told me I'd played a good game.
Elise
Poppa came to every activity I did. He taught me to play cards and he always let me win.
Anna Morgan -
I have a lot of memories with Poppa. I will miss him coming to all my softball and volleyball games. He was a wonderful grandfather and I will always love him.
Eli
I will always remember Poppa pulling quarters out of my ear, shooting basketball with me, taking me fishing and watching me play baseball. He called me "Big Poppy" and #10 for being the tenth grandchild. I want to be just like him.
Family will receive friends at the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday, November 13, 2008, one hour prior to the 2 p.m. service. Memorials may be made to the Pearisburg FUMC, Capital Fund, P.O. Box 400, 1101 Valleyview Dr., Pearisburg, Va. 24134. Condolences can be sent to the family at givenfuneralhome.com.