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Ernest Ronald Chappell
1944 - 2016
Ernest Ronald Chappell
1944 - 2016
Obituary
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Ernest Chappell Obituary
Ernest Ronald “Ronnie” Chappell of Clinton, MS passed away peacefully on January 5, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Ronnie was born January 1, 1944 to Ernest and Evelyn Chappell. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1963. Following graduation, he continued his education at Hinds Community College, studying engineering and drafting.
In 1964 Ronnie married the love of his life, Sherry. They recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. Their love for each other was unconditional and their dedication to each other served as a wonderful example of what a marriage should be.
In 1967 Ronnie and his lifelong friend, Buddy Flynt, started Custom Cabinet Center in Clinton. After 30 years of success, Ronnie retired from the Cabinet Center to pursue his passion in public service.
Even at a young age, Ronnie understood the importance of service. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, training at Fort Polk, LA and Fort Sill, OK. Ronnie served tirelessly in numerous positions, supporting his community, city, state, and country. He served on the Clinton Planning and Zoning Board, served on the Clinton Board of Alderman, and represented District 4 as a Hinds County Supervisor for 16 years. Ronnie’s life was enriched by the people he met, the help he was able to provide for his constituents, and the lasting friendships he developed.
Ronnie was also a member of Mt. Salus Masonic Lodge in Clinton, American Legion Post 1 and Morrison Heights Baptist Church.
After his retirement, Ronnie could be found working in his greenhouse, riding his trails to watch his deer, or nurturing the numerous cats that always knew he had a plate for them. His most treasured times were those spent with his family.
He lived his life by example and took so much pride and joy in guiding his children and grandchildren through life. He could always be counted on for a good story to help you learn a lesson.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Evelyn Chappell. Ronnie is survived by his loving wife Sherry, his 3 children- Tracy Borlin (Erik), Rhonda Chappell (Terry Williams), and Randy Chappell (Michelle). His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Chelsea and Sean Borlin, and Ryan and Chase Chappell, and his new great grandson, Kenton Reese Borlin.
Ronnie is also survived by his sister Charlotte Lee (Bobby), of New Hebron, MS. Brother in laws Bill Bolls (Judy), Charlie Bolls, Paul Bolls (Melissa), and his special cousins Mike and Shelia Kearney, and numerous special nieces and nephews. Ronnie’s sweet smile and warm heart will be greatly missed, but his loving spirit will always live within us.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Lakewood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elaine Bridges
January 11, 2016
Sherry, Tracy, Rhonda, Randy and family:
I am so sorry to read of the death of Ronnie in the paper yesterday. I've lost contact with you all over the years, but remember many good times we had. I will be praying for you all during this time of loss. Elaine Bridges
Rhonda Chappell
January 10, 2016
I would like to thank each of you for being such a special part of daddy's life and for taking the time to share in his celebration of life. Even though he has left us, his happy, go lucky spirit will always be a part of us. The impact daddy had on people always left them a better person for knowing him. It was the same way with him as a daddy. I know that my life is so much better because of the wonderful father he was to us. He taught us so many things, even when we didn't realize there was a lesson being learned. There were the obvious learnings....how to ride a bike, how to swim, and his best lesson of how duct tape could fix almost anything from a broken heart to the crack of dawn:) Then there were the more subtle learnings that come from spending a lifetime with him. He taught us to respect ourselves and others, he instilled in each of us a tireless work ethic and to always take pride in the work you are doing, but I think the most important thing was the sense of family and the love that was always available in our home. Daddy taught us that we each are individuals and to embrace our differences but to to accept and love each other without end. That unconditional love sustained us through good times and bad.
It's that love that will carry us through this difficult time. In times of crisis, daddy would tell us we had to "circle the wagons" and that is what we will do now. We will circle my mom with love, support and understanding to sustain her through this time.
Daddy leaves us with a legacy of love and for that I will be forever grateful to the Best Daddy a Child could every hope for.
I love you bunches Daddy!
Ro
January 9, 2016
I was deeply saddened to learn of Ronnie's death. I enjoyed playing dominoes and joshing with him "back in the day" and I know he will be sorely missed by all of us. He contributed so much to our country, state and county. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Don Taylor (Crystal Springs)
January 9, 2016
My name is Obie Cockrell. I am Janet Brown's Manfriend. I only met Ronnie and Sherry A few times. After visiting with them and talking to Ronnie I knew why Janet had picked him as her best friend many years ago. For the 4 years I have known Janet I have worried about her being alone and during the last year during her illness I was more worried but since I live in Laurel and have a Mother and Son in a home I have not been able to be there for Janet. When I found out that Ronnie was checking on her every morning and night, taking her to the er and taking care of her dogs and any other help she needed took a great burden off my heart as I knew that was what I should be able to do. I thanked him by phone and in person many times for this. He just broke out in that big smile and said "that's what friends do". I see why he was her best friend and he became mine also. On Jan 1 (his birthday) we called and sang Happy Birthday to him and I am so glad we did. I pray for the family and my Ladyfriend for the loss of this wonderful man. I am sorry I could not be at the funeral for Janet's support but had family obligations at home but I was there in spirit. RIP Ronnie. We will miss you
Oberge "Obie" Cockrell
Laurel, Ms
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January 9, 2016
T,J, and Shirley Hare: We thought so much of Ronnie and his wife.Only fine Memory of him and his wife. So sorry of his passing and Prayers for family. T.J and Shirley Hare!
January 9, 2016
I am grieved to hear of Ronnie's passing. I knew his dad and mom, Mr. Ernest and Miss Evelyn, through my dad, Bob Gilfoy, back in the 60's. Dad spoke so highly of them and it is apparent that those fine folks passed on to their son fine Christian values. Thank God for precious memories and be sure to carry the torch. Know I love you all--Bob Gilfoy
January 9, 2016
Have peace and comfort needed to sustain you during this difficult time. For there will come a time when all sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Linda Brown Edwards
January 8, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember Ronnie from a long time ago when my Daddy was with Deanie, we all thought we were kin to each other. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kathryn Durr
January 8, 2016
Sherry, my heart and sadness is with you and your family. You and Ronnie have meant a lot to me and my family, and still do.. My prayers are with you and yours. Sincerely, Kathy Durr
January 8, 2016
On my entry about Ronnie with the picture of him on one of his toys I forgot to sign my name
Janet Brown
Clinton, Ms
Ronnie on one of his many toys
January 8, 2016
Ronnie was my best friend since 1982 when I had my woodworking business at his cabinet center. He taught me a lot about woodwork. In return I acted as his secretary which worked great for both of us My husband (who is in Heaven also) and myself had so much fun with him and Sherry. So many memories. The last year during my illness Ronnie has called me every morning and every night to check on me. He took care of my dogs when I had to go to the ER and then came and brought me home. He helped me in my so many ways and I tried to return the favor when he needed me. There are no words that describe a best friend but he was the best. You will truly be missed by so many that knew you. I pray for his family to heal but never forget. RIP my best friend as your smile lights up Heaven
Pam Burgess
January 8, 2016
I was so saddened to hear of Ronnie's illness and passing. I will always think of him fondly. My work with him was an enjoyable experience. He was a very generous, compassionate man. I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the service, as I found out about it too late. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you! RIP Ronnie!
Patrick Crippen
January 8, 2016
As neighbors these last ten years we have been able to see Ronnie Chappell in action, nearly every day operating his own bulldozer, his backhoe, his electric vehicles somewhere on his beloved property. Always willing to share stories of his vast knowledge of Clinton and Hinds County and his years of Mississippi politics, Ronnie truly was larger-than-life and this part of the world simply will not be the same without him. We send our shock and sympathy to Sherry and the kids over their incredible loss.
Patrick Crippen
Michael Modderkolk
Rachel Brooks
January 8, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. The Chappell's were long time family friends for the Gallaghers going way back to the 1950's. I can remember Mr & Mrs Chappell & how they always doted over the "Triplets" in the Gallagher Family-I'm one of them. Of course as we all grow up somehow we lose touch or members of the family pass away, but the Chappell family will forever be in our hearts. Rachel Gallagher Brooks 601-572-6424
January 8, 2016
May you find comfort from God
Margarette Bailey
January 7, 2016
Sherry and family, Voyce and I are so saddened about Ronnie's death. He has been such a good friend for so many years, and we will miss him greatly. We pray that God will sustain you and your family during this sad time. May He give you the peace and comfort that He alone can give.
Kathy Thornton
January 7, 2016
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ronnie. He and Sherry have always been such special neighbors to my mother in law Delphine Thornton. I know he will be missed by all of you but please take comfort in knowing he is resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Saviour. Our deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. Bobby and Kathy Thornton(Clinton, Ms.)
January 7, 2016
Words cannot express the sorrow we have for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We loved Ronnie and he was a special friend. God Bless You.
Wayne and Carol
Anne Barnes
January 7, 2016
Ms. Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss, please know that I am thinking about you.
David & Renee Kent
January 7, 2016
"We have lost a great man." We share in your loss. Our most heartfelt sympathy and prayers for your family.
Becky & Tommy Dale Book
January 7, 2016
Thinking of you, Rhonda, and wishing you only happy memories of your Dad.
Peggy and Hoss Williams
January 6, 2016
Randy and Michelle you and your family are in our prayers I'm so sorry for your loss
Mary Clark
January 6, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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