David Chaffin

David Curtis Chaffin, MD, died on March 16, 2026, and is now in heaven because he believed and accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

David was born on December 15, 1947, in Huntsville, AL to Cecil and Milbra Chaffin. He grew up in East Ridge, TN, graduating from East Ridge High School in 1965 and did his undergraduate work at Tennessee Tech University where he met his wife, Rebekah Brown. (Interesting note: all four of their parents graduated from TN Tech and knew each other!) He received his MD at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in 1972 and finished his internship in 1973. After serving two years in Cameroon, West Africa as a medical missionary, he returned to Memphis for his radiology residency. His career spanned 52 years and took him all over the country, from Alaska to Maine. He was a member of several medical societies, serving as president of the TN Radiological Society as well as a counselor to the Society for two terms.

He was an active member of Cleveland First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and making several mission trips to Senegal, Cuba, Croatia, and the Philippines. He also served with Samaritan's Purse in Kenya and Afghanistan. His church and Sunday School class were special to him through the years and very supportive during his last few months.

David had many interests in life. He had been part of New Hope Pregnancy Care Center for many years, serving as a board member as well as the Medical Director. He had a heart for the vulnerable unborn.

He was a devoted bird watcher, seeing and recording birds all around the world. At one time he was listed as number 36 in the United States for the number of birds he had seen. Many friends know he could tell you, just by hearing, what particular bird is calling. One said David knew the "name and address" of every bird he saw!

David was also a forty-two-year member of the Cleveland Rotary Club, serving as president in 1990 and having perfect attendance for forty years. He was on the Foundation Board and was extremely proud of what Rotary International has accomplished in ridding the world of polio.

Always interested in genealogy, David became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, serving as TN state president as well as on the National Board as Surgeon General. His local chapter, Col. Benjamin Cleveland, was very special to him.

A lifelong Boy Scout, David earned his Eagle Scout Rank and Arrow of Light Rank. As his son started scouting, David became a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, also earning his Wood Badge in both Cub and Boy Scouts. He had been active on the unit, district, and council levels, being awarded the Silver Beaver. He trained at the Philmont Training Center and attended several National Jamborees.

A special group of guys, called the Old Geezers, have had a goal of visiting all thirty Major League Baseball stadiums. It took twelve years, but they accomplished their mission in September. Thank you, Charlie, David, Donny, JD, and Tim for the memories.

David leaves behind his wife, Rebekah, of fifty-seven years; his son, Curt (Chris) Chaffin and their two children, Brown and Joseay; daughter Rachel Scott and her three daughters, Sarah (Simeon) Hinchman, Hannah (Lee) Forester, and Elizabeth Scott; and daughter Ginny (Ryan) Breneman and their four children, Andrew (Rachael), Ella, Hugh, and Luke Breneman. There are two great-grandchildren, Mika and Evie Hinchman, with another one on the way. He also leaves behind one sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Phil Eichman, and one brother/sister-in-law, Jim and Linda Brown, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As Granddad, Dad, and Husband, he will be deeply missed, but his family also knows he is "walking streets of gold" with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Memorial service will be held at Cleveland First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 21, at noon with visitation preceding the service from 10-12. Burial will be in Cookeville, TN at Crest Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Companion Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1275 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312.

You are invited to share a personal memory of David or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.