Samuel Chappell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Samuel E. Chappell, age 76, a native of Abingdon, died June 28, 2007, of cancer related pneumonia at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington. Dr. Chappell resided in Washington, for 45 years. He was born in Abingdon on April 18, 1931, to the late Paul E. Chappell and Mary Lou Chappell and attended school in Abingdon and Bristol Virginia. He is preceded in death by his brother Paul B. Chappell; and sister, Sarah Brown.
Dr. Chappell began his work life as a shoeshine boy at his father's barbershop in Abingdon. He later became a short-order cook at the Cave Restaurant associated with the Barter Theatre. After receiving a bachelor's degree in physics from Virginia State University, followed by a fellowship at the University of Rochester, Dr. Chappell entered the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served as a health physicist at Fort Detrik, Md. After discharge, he pursued master's and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear physics at Penn State University.
Dr. Chappell joined the National Bureau of Standards as a member of the Radiation Division in 1962. He was involved in research and development for 10 years, including work in radiation measurement related to materials processing, device testing, and food preservation. He later focused on national and international standards development and served for many years as the United States representative to an international treaty organization, the International Organization of Legal Metrology. He was active in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the American Nationals Standards Institute (ANSI), and many other professional organizations.
After retiring from Federal service in 2000, he became a consultant in the field of legal measuring instruments and provided services as an expert witness in this area in court cases for the city of Seattle and the state of New Jersey. He also maintained a position as a member of the ANSI Appeals Board.
Dr. Chappell is survived by his wife of 29 years, Julianne; and his son, Benjamin, both of Washington; and his brother Robert Daniel Chappell of Abingdon and Chilhowie. The family wishes to extend special appreciation to Mr. Lemuel Wheeler of Abingdon, and Pastor Donald Swift and the congregation of Charles Wesley United Methodist Church of Abingdon, for their kind assistance in bringing Dr. Chappell home to rest.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at High Point Cemetery in Abingdon, with Pastor Donald Swift officiating. Highland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the graveside service in the funeral home. Everyone wishing to attend the service is asked to assemble at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service by 10:45 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. A memorial celebration of Dr. Chappell's life will be conducted in Washington, plans are not yet complete, but will be announced on the funeral home Web site. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, 322 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service 427 East Main Street Abingdon is serving the family of Dr. Samuel E. Chappell.