Douglas Gordon Chapman Jr.

1927 - 2023

CHAPMAN, Mr. Douglas Gordon Jr., died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Cedarfield Retirement Community, Richmond, Va.

Doug was born in Richmond in October 1927 to Dr. Douglas G. Chapman and Augusta Stuart Chapman. With his younger sister, Augusta, they were a close family and enjoyed spending time with their extended families in Woodstock and Roanoke.

Doug grew up first in Ginter Park. He attended St. Christopher's School and graduated in 1946. At St. C, Doug played football, basketball and baseball, and was a co-captain of the football and basketball teams. He later served on the Board of Governors and was a lifelong supporter of the School. His senior yearbook noted his famous sense of humor, which he kept his entire life. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1950, where he played football and was a co-captain, ran track and played baseball, and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

After serving in the Air Force, Doug went to work for State Planters Bank in its trust department. There he met Annette Brannon Chapman, newly arrived from Durham, N.C. They married six months later, celebrated their 65th anniversary in May 2021, and were devoted companions until Annette's death in May 2022. They had three children, Douglas G. Chapman III, Stuart Chapman Roberts (Bobby), and Mason Travers Chapman (Julie), and provided a happy and fun home for their family in "the country" at Lorraine Station. Doug moved to First & Merchants Bank, where he retired. Later came three adored grandchildren, James Chapman "Chap" Roberts (Hayden), Tyler Elizabeth Roberts, and Mason T. Chapman Jr. Doug's profession was "banker" but his life was being husband, father, and grandfather.

From his close family, Doug learned a moral code that knew right and wrong while not presuming to judge others. He was kind and always grateful for others' kindness, whatever their relationship. He was an independent thinker and an insatiable reader with a thirst for knowledge and an open mind. He encouraged his children's progress by highlighting opportunities and not by pushing them in any direction. He was an eternal optimist, and he believed in the pursuit of happiness for everyone. He was proud to say he had reached age 95, and said he felt lucky for that.

Doug's other passions including boating, fishing and gardening. He was a "waterman" from childhood, enjoying time on the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, and the James River near home. He bought his first boat in the mid-1950s, his deadrise "The Crab" (destination of his first date with Annette), and many more after that. (Some of them docked at the house in Richmond when the James River flooded.) He loved boating and fishing with his father, his children and his grandchildren, and he instilled in them a love for the water. In their long retirement together, Doug and Annette enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to California to visit their son Doug; they ultimately drove, over several trips, the entire coast highway between Seattle and San Diego. They spent summer weekends with their children and grandchildren at Jackson Creek Harbour in Deltaville. Doug got in one more weekend at the river in June, enjoying the warm sun, breeze and sunset at Fishing Bay with his children and grandchildren.

Doug was predeceased by Annette; his parents; and brothers-in-law Anthony Brannon, Jere Bunting and John Weeks. He is survived by his children and grandchildren; his sister, Augusta Bunting of Irvington; his sisters-in-law, Gwendolen Brannon Weeks of Richmond, Diana Brannon Shuler (Jim) of Tampa and Joan Brannon of Durham; three nieces and a nephew.

Doug was grateful for the loving and professional care he and Annette received at Cedarfield. His family extends profound gratitude to all of the wonderful people at Cedarfield.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Goochland, and a reception in the parish hall will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary's Church or St. Christopher's School.