Mr. William Thomas "Tom" Chapman Jr.

Mr. William Thomas "Tom" Chapman, Jr., age 70, of Uvalda, GA (formerly of Summerville), died suddenly Friday, November 08, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.
Mr. Chapman was born March 29, 1954 in Metter, Georgia, son of the late William Thomas Chapman, Sr. and Berta Mae Brown Chapman.
As told to his daughter, Lauren, he lost his high school class ring when he flung a beer bottle out of a moving car. Afraid of his parents' response to that and myriad of infractions, he signed up to serve his country in the Army. He was a paratrooper and joked they had to push him out of the plane for his first jump, but he loved every jump thereafter.
Later, Mr. Chapman was a member of the Old Guard serving in the Caisson barn, 1975-77 on wheel, as a section SGT and Cap Horse Walker. He was described as hard working, loyal, and fun to be around by his fellow service men. Mr. Chapman was Blackjack's, the Riderless horse's, last handler and was involved in numerous military funerals as well as President Jimmy Carter's inauguration. This was one of his proudest services.
Mr. Chapman was also a member of the Metter Lodge # 435, F&AM and was a Shriner. He served as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1982.
Mr. Chapman served the State of Georgia as an employee of the Department of Corrections until his retirement after 30 years. One of his most rewarding accomplishments was during his tenure as the Warden at Pulaski State Prison, Hawkinsville, GA. In 2008, by working with Middle Georgia Technical College and Mr. Tommy Irvin, former Georgia Agricultural Commissioner, he implemented Georgia's first prison horse-rescue farm. This project was and still is beneficial for horses and inmates alike. Emaciated, abused horses often have nowhere to go. By coming to Pulaski State Prison, horses are nurtured and inmates report feeling they are " doing something worthwhile [that] is actually good " Because of the partnership with the technical college system of Georgia, some inmates are able to earn a certificate as a veterinary technician through Middle Georgia Technical College.
This is just one example of Mr. Chapman's foresight, dedication to his role as Warden, and his ability to build friendships lasting long after his time with the Department of Corrections.
While in Hawkinsville, Mr. Chapman was heavily involved with the Chamber of Commerce, many community projects, served as the Grand Marshall in the Harness Festival Parade, named Citizen of the Year, and was an avid connoisseur of M&T's Meat Market.
This list does not begin to encompass all of his accomplishments, however, one of his most recent was his sobriety, which he committed to one month after his grandson, Will, was born in 2017. Will was his absolute best friend whom he loved more than anyone else on this Earth (it's true, and the rest of the family all know it and happily and heartily accept it).
Following his sobriety and giving his life over to the Lord, Mr. Chapman devoted many hours to sharing his testimony with anyone who would listen. He hoped his story would inspire others. The AA group in Summerville, GA was a major contributor to his ability to maintain his sobriety.
We would be remiss to leave out Mr. Chapman's one-time obsession with Harley Davidson. He enjoyed the camaraderie and riding; especially with his friends, Huey and Sharp. He was always one of the first to help with charity rides, Toys for Tots, and other community events. Mr. Chapman also enjoyed being outside; particularly magnet fishing and metal detecting with his best buddy, Will.
Mr. Chapman's survivors include his wife, Jan Wilson Chapman; children Lauren (Blake) Elsberry; William Thomas "Trey" Chapman, III, Brandy Love James, and Cindy Chapman; sister, Tammy (David) Chapman Hart; grandchildren, William Ashworth Elsberry and Sarah Katherine Elsberry, and many precious nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 15th, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Diggs officiating.
Mr. Chapman will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Friday.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
The Foundation of the Old Guard, online: https://donorbox.org/caisson-buckle-fund
Click on "leave us a comment" to mention Tom or mail a check to:
The Foundation of the Old Guard
P.O. Box 1010
Ft. Myer, VA 22211
Note "Tom" on the check
The foundation will use all funds received to support the Caisson platoon.
or
Heartbound Ministries, online: www.heartboundministries.com or mail a check to:
Heartbound Ministries
P.O. Box 191703
Atlanta, Georgia 31119-0703
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