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J. McGrew Obituary
Salisbury-Dr. J. Chapman McGrew Jr., 67, of Salisbury died Friday, July 11, 2014, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born on Sept. 21, 1946, in San Diego, Calif., he was the son of the late John Chapman and Bernice Yates McGrew.
He graduated from San Diego State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in geography and minor in math. He then received a National Defense Education Act Fellowship to study at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1977 in geography. In 1975 he became a professor of geography at Salisbury State College, now Salisbury University, where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 2006. Dr. Chapman was respected and admired by students and colleagues alike. He recently completed the third edition of "An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving in Geography" of which he was the lead author.
Chapman enjoyed national parks, particularly the Oregon Caves National Monument, where he met his wife in 1968. Outdoor activities, including running and hiking, were a source of pleasure for him. He completed three marathons, all after the age of 50. He was a chess enthusiast and a very good player. He was an amateur Civil War historian and collector of Civil War books. His most important roles in life were husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy McGrew of Salisbury; two sons, Court McGrew of Rockville, Md., and Grady McGrew and his wife, Alison, of Salisbury. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Emilia, who was his greatest joy and the light of his life.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at Holloway Funeral Home, Salisbury, where friends may call 1-3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salisbury University Department of Geography and Geosciences for a memorial scholarship fund in the name of Dr. J. Chapman McGrew Jr.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family, visit www.hollowayfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. McGrew
Teresa Parrott
July 20, 2014
Dr. McGrew was an inspiring professor that had a rigorous syllabus and an equally high expectation of his students. During registration time, I would often find myself seeking out courses that he taught as I knew it would be academically beneficial. He will be sorely missed.
Sarah Harris
July 15, 2014
Sad to hear this. I had Dr McGrew for Human Geography. He was a very nice man.
Mike Seidel
July 14, 2014
My thoughts go out to the McGrew family. I started at SSC the same day Dr. McGrew did and thoroughly enjoyed him in the classroom over the years.
I'll be back in SBY later tomorrow but too late to make the memorial, but I'll be thinking about him!
Lee May
July 14, 2014
What a shock and tragedy. The rest of the McGrew Clan and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jathan Austin
July 14, 2014
I had the pleasure of having Dr. McGrew as my instructor for Human Geography. His was one of the most enjoyable classes I took at SU. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 13, 2014
Grady,
You and your family are in my thoughts. Your father was a wonderful educator who inspired so many.
Mary Lou Coffin
Mara Chen
July 13, 2014
Dear Kathy, Court and Grady, I'm utterly saddened about your loss! My deepest condolence and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time! Just want to let you know again that Dr. McGrew was a wonderful colleague and a great person! As one of the senior accomplished faculty members, he was very helpful and supportive to me during my beginning teaching days. I have nothing but great respect for him! He will be greatly missed by all of us, faculty and students, and his love for teaching will live on among us!
elizabeth bellavance
July 13, 2014
Now i live in Richmond buy want you all to know i'm sorry with you and thank you for Chapman's service to SU. He could always be counted on. Love to All, liz Bellavance. (Sorry for no handwritten note but I.,ll see Chapman soon.)
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Holloway Funeral Home - Salisbury501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804
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