Samuel Marcus Chapman

Samuel Marcus Chapman age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4, 2025. He was affectionately known as Daddy, Pawpaw, Jitter, and Little Sam. He was born in the small town of Solo, TN on February 3, 1941 to Lollie Geneva Smith Chapman and William Bradford Chapman. As a teenager, his parents' separation led to him and his older brothers being sent to live at The Boys Town of Memphis. It was there that he met some of his lifelong friends, considering some to be like brothers. He attended Kingsbury High School of Memphis, where he graduated in 1949. At Kingsbury, he met his beloved Wife of 63 years, Patricia Ann Cooper who preceded him in death in July of 2024. He and Pat had two Daughters, Denise McClung (Derick) of Bartlett, TN and Kelly Brumley of Somerville, TN. He started work at Illinois Central Gulf Railroad at the age of 19. He started out working on Passenger Trains, then became a Switchman, and later a Conductor. He retired after an incredible 42 years of service, having loved what he did for so long. He enjoyed being the Assistant Softball Coach for his daughters at Leaclair Baptist Church. He was known for teaching many kids and adults to water ski at Pickwick Lake. He proudly taught his daughters how to skateboard, squirrel hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, and change a tire! He loved Crappie fishing, Water Skiing, Sailing, and Camping. His sense of adventure and love for the outdoors was lifelong. Pat and Sam were blessed with three amazing grandchildren: Zach McClung (Sierra) of Atoka, TN, Kate Brumley (Russell) of Somerville, TN, and Anna McClung (Nick) of Bartlett, TN. He never missed a Scout Meeting/Event, Trap Shoot, Baseball Game, Volleyball Game, or Horse Show. He was preceded in death by his two Brothers Bill Chapman (Jane), Lloyd Chapman (Sherry), and his sister Brenda Hopkins (Hoppy). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Boy Scout Troop 459 c/o Ellendale United Methodist Church or Bartlett Animal Shelter. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Samuel Marcus Chapman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.