WIlliam Edward Chapman

William Edward Chapman, 78, passed away in Indio on December 6, 2023 with his wife, Diane, at his side. He is survived by his wife, his brother Ralph, step-sister Virginia Belser, children Claire and Andrew Chapman, as well as five step-children and six step-grandchildren.

Born on August 23, 1945, in Miami, Dr. Chapman was raised by his mother, Emily Muller, a librarian, and father, Ralph Edward Chapman, a commercial pilot. His childhood created a lasting passion for learning and understanding the world around us. His studies included time at the Tabor Academy and the University of Pennsylvania, followed by military service in the Army during the Vietnam War. He served as a Vietnamese interpreter and participated in flight missions with the "Crazy Cats" intercepting enemy radio communications. He concluded his military service working at the NSA while attending the University of Maryland.

He subsequently pursued medical studies at the University of Connecticut and a residency in pathology, followed by a fellowship at Sloan Kettering. He was a pathologist at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville for over 25 years. His tenure in the laboratory included a period as Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. He mentored staff and took pride in advancing the lab's technological capacity. He cared deeply about tolerance and protecting democratic institutions. He will be remembered for his passion for classical music, tennis, cooking, and a dry sense of humor.

In his personal life, Dr. Chapman's journey included raising two children, the proudest achievement of his life, with his first wife Dr. Eva Morgenstern. Later, he married Diane Nunn-Berrier, a retired nurse, in 2015. Together, they retired to Palm Desert, California, and enjoyed a rich second chapter filled with love, laughter, small dogs, and countless cherished memories and friendships.

His ashes will rest at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in 2024, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in his honor.