Frank Chappell Jr.

1932 - 2017

Frank Chappell, Jr. was born on March 16, 1932 to the late Catherine King Jones and the late Frank Chappell, Sr. in Quitman, GA. He was his mother's pride and joy and he stayed close to her throughout her life.Frank was an adventurous child who learned how to do many trades at an early age. He embraced Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in his formative years. After college, he made the decision to join the Catholic Church and joined St. Benedict the Moor Church in Savannah.He attended the schools of Brooks County (Quitman) where he excelled. In high school, he joined the Trojan Football Team where he was an outstanding athlete. Because of his size, the school allowed him to also serve as the driver for the team and he often drove the school bus for all of the team's long distance road trips, going as far as Miami, FL for the team.After graduating from high school, he decided to join the Army and serve his country. After basic training, he was quickly sent to his first deployment out of the country to Korea to fight in the Korean War. After fulfilling his duty, he left the army and returned to Quitman, GA.Frank decided to leave Savannah State and joined the Savannah Police Department after they advertised they were hiring another group of African American officers. He was hired as part of the 2nd group of African American officers. He often joked that he was glad no one was ruthless or dangerous at the time because it would take time for the White officers to come on the scene to arrest anyone. Black officers had to wait for approval from headquarters before officers would be dispatched to area to arrest criminals. After retiring, he decided to embark on another journey- he became a politician. He was asked to fill the seat of a councilmember of Thunderbolt who passed away suddenly. He was an Alderman with Thunderbolt for two terms. Under his term of service, the Town of Thunderbolt built a new Town Hall and Senior Citizen Building. He also increased his service to his church, St. Benedict the Moor. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus.He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 60 years, Annie Chappell of Thunderbolt, two children Dr. Anthony Chappell (Graciela) of Statesboro and Kimberly Chappell-Stevens of Thunderbolt, three grandchildren, Amanda and Emma Chappell of Statesboro and Franklin Stevens of Thunderbolt, a special brother-in-law Jimmie Stephens (LaRue) of Valdosta, GA, twodevoted cousins Willie King (Sandra) of Savannah and Jurlene Reddick (LeRoy) of Thomasville,GA,, special college friends Willie Batchelor of Adel, GA, and Virginia Barnes of Savannah and family friend Regina Thomas of Savannah, a special new friend, Antonio Sellers of Glennville, three special godchildren, Nicole Johnson of Atlanta, Trudie Williams of Savannah and Donald Barnes of Fayetteville, NC., and a host of cousins, family members and friends.