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Charles C. “Sonny” Chapman

Date of Death: December 31, 1969

Charles “Sonny” Chapman, Jr.

Charles Cecil “Sonny” Chapman, 73, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Saturday, July 24, 2010, in University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mr. Chapman was born in 1937, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the son of the late Charles Cecil Chapman, Sr. and Beatrice Virginia Willis. He was employed with Hose Company #4 in Harrisonburg, Virginia as a professional firefighter, then as a Manager of Smith Transfer Corporation having served for 23 years. Later he retired from O’Sullivan as a Transportation Manager. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Winchester, the Winchester Exchange Club and the Winchester Moose Club. He was also a Red Cross Volunteer, Past Board Member and President of the Exchange Club and the Winchester Exchange Child and Parent Center as well as the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Chapman was Co-Chair of the Apple Blossom Festival Sports Breakfast and Stag Luncheon having served for 20 years. He was a graduate of Harrisonburg High School and a Veteran in the United States Navy from 1955-1959 achieving the rank Machinist Mate 2nd Class.

He married Carol Ann Gum on June 26, 1965, in Frankford, Delaware.

Surviving with his wife, is his daughter, Lisa Chapman Taggart and husband, Brian, their children, Delaney and Lulu, of Herndon, Virginia; and son, Charles Andrew “Andy” Chapman and his son, Leif, of Ormond Beach, Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday at 4:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, with Reverend Dan McCoig officiating. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends, prior to the service, from 3:00-4:00 PM, at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Winchester Exchange Child- Parent Center, 301 North Cameron Street, Suite #200, Winchester, Virginia 22601.

Please view obituaries, tribute wall and guestbook at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Charles “Sonny” Chapman, Jr. Charles Cecil “Sonny” Chapman, 73, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Saturday, July 24, 2010, in University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia. Mr. Chapman was born in 1937, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the son of the late Charles Cecil Chapman, Sr. and Beatrice Virginia Willis. He was employed with Hose Company #4Continue Reading

See Condolences
David Andre left a message on July 26, 2010:
Many years ago I said that the World was a better place for Sonny being here. I am shocked and terribly saddened by the death of my friend. David J. Andre'
Gene Rhodes left a message on July 30, 2010:
We will miss Sonny. He was a very good man and friend. We met Sonny through the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival-Sports Breakfast. From the frist time we met him he was so helpful and kind. If there was anything we needed, he was there. We never saw him get excited, he would work on the problem and get the job done. At times Sonny seemed to be our protector looking over us. I'm sure he must have treated everyone the same way, I think it was his nature. He will be missed. Gene & Susie Rhodes Winchester, VA
Linda Yancey left a message on July 29, 2010:
Bobby Yancey
Patricia Saunders left a message on July 29, 2010:
I attended high school with Sonny. Even though I have not been back to Harrisonburg in over 45 years, I still remember all the good times we had during our years in high school. You are in my prayers at this sad time. Pat Saunders (Evans)
Page Sencindiver left a message on July 28, 2010:
Carol, our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We were sadden to learn of Sonny's passing, when we arrived at Richard Tysinger's annual picnic, that you and Sonny have attend for many years. We have many found memories of our times at Madison College, (JMU), blue hole, and the fire station. Our deepest concern and condolances. Page & Katherine Sencindiver Harrisonburg, VA
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
william braithwaite left a message on July 27, 2010:
DEAR CAROL & FAMILY: I NEW SONNY FROM HOSE CO NO 4 FIRE DEPT AND SONNY WORKED FOR MY FATHER AT SMITHS TRANSFER IN HARRISONBURG. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A MOMENT THATI REMEMBER. 1983/1982 I DROVE A FIRE TRUCK IN THE APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE. SONNY CAME UP TO ME AND THANK ME FOR BRINGING THE TRUCK FROM HIS HOME TOWN TO THE PARADE. SONNY WAS AFUN/NICE MANDTO AROUND. I NEW BIIL WILLIS AND HIS WIFE ALSO. I WISH WE WOULD HAVE MADE CONTACT IN PAST YEARS.. AGAIN SORRY TO HER ABOUT YOUR LOSS. BILL/CAROLYN BRAITHWAITE HARRISONBURG, VA
Michael and Christine Roby left a message on July 27, 2010:
Dear Carol, Lisa, and Andy, We were shocked and grieved to hear that Sonny had left us. We had run into him at Lowes several times this year and he always spoke proudly of his children and grandchildren and the fun time that he spent with them. He was also proud of his wife's golf prowess and continued work with children. What an aptly named guy - his warm smile and calm accepting temperment made him the best of the good ole boys. Our family roots go deep into the years we spent on Bloomery Star Route with your loving family. And the connection continues with Megan and Jon and Porter (and new baby on the way) living in Salisbury Maryland. You are responsible for our enjoying many wonderful beach vacations in Fenwick and environs that go on still. We will never forget how you lent us your home for an Easter family reunion or how you found and buried Sooty for us. The older girls have great memories of playing in the woods and Andy's amazing creativity. In late May we retired to a gated community in Richmond where my mom has her home on the next street. Amanda and Thomas are expecting their first any day and Cathrine is Art Director of a childrens' catalog. So although we can't be with you we want you to know we are thinking of you in this great loss. The world is a poorer place without Sonny. God bless you at this difficult time. Love, Michael and Christi Roby and family
Richard Deadrick left a message on July 27, 2010:
Sonny was a delight to know and we will all miss him. I am now 70 and we go back many years. Sometime in the early 50's we vied for the eye and affection of a gal named Betsy Clark who lived in the Sunset Heights area of Harrisonburg. At that time Sonny had a Model A Ford and we would drive by Betsy's home and blow the horn. Sometimes we would take her for a ride around the block. I remember I took her to a circus one time in Harrisonburg but a favorable relationship did not develop. At some later time she moved from Harrisonburg. Since Sonny was older and in the Navy I didn't see much of him for some years until we both attended Shenandoah College in Dayton, Va. We renewed our friendship and ran around together for quite some time. We had classes together and double dated together at times in that 1959 Ragtop Chevrolet he was very proud of. Sonny was a cat bird and always had a smile on his face. It took a lot to upset him, but when you did you had better bar the door. I could tell some stories about the two of us, but I might embarrass myself. He was a good personal friend and a person you could always depend on. Unfortunately I did not see Sonny for many years after college until sometime in the mid-80's when I stopped in at his office in Winchester and spent some time with him. Although a lot of water was over the dam, we still enjoyed the time we spent together that day. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. I'll never forget him! Richard T. Deadrick 131 Tilbury Court Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540)433-0151
Linda Strader left a message on July 27, 2010:
Carol, I was saddened to pick up the Star today. His smile, humor and love for mankind will be missed by many. I probably won't see you on Thursday (Hospice comes at three), but will have you in my prayers. Linda Strader, Strader17@comcast.net
Dan Argiro left a message on July 27, 2010:
It was an honor to call Sonny my friend. He was an excellent leader and mentor in the Exchange Club. His hard work and dedication to our community was a becon of light for others to follow. We will all miss him, but I am thankful to have spend the last 7 years with him in the Club. Your Friend, Dan Argiro
Billy Flippo left a message on July 27, 2010:
Dear Carol and family, I so enjoyed the time spent with Sonny and Bobby at Gwen Laymans service in the Orlando area recently. Sonny looked good then, What a surprise, Edi and I are at our place in Lake Hickory in N.C. and will try to be there for the service Thur. I told Sonny in Orlando what great memories Recalled from our days in Harrisonburg. So sad, thoughts and prayers are with you, Billy Flippo, Energizer2k0@hotmail.com
David left a message on January 30, 2013:
Many years ago I said that the World was a better place for Sonny being here. I am shocked and terribly saddened by the death of my friend. David J. Andre'
Gene left a message on January 30, 2013:
We will miss Sonny. He was a very good man and friend. We met Sonny through the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival-Sports Breakfast. From the frist time we met him he was so helpful and kind. If there was anything we needed, he was there. We never saw him get excited, he would work on the problem and get the job done. At times Sonny seemed to be our protector looking over us. I'm sure he must have treated everyone the same way, I think it was his nature. He will be missed. Gene & Susie Rhodes Winchester, VA
Linda left a message on January 30, 2013:
Bobby Yancey
Patricia left a message on January 30, 2013:
I attended high school with Sonny. Even though I have not been back to Harrisonburg in over 45 years, I still remember all the good times we had during our years in high school. You are in my prayers at this sad time. Pat Saunders (Evans)
Page left a message on January 30, 2013:
Carol, our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We were sadden to learn of Sonny's passing, when we arrived at Richard Tysinger's annual picnic, that you and Sonny have attend for many years. We have many found memories of our times at Madison College, (JMU), blue hole, and the fire station. Our deepest concern and condolances. Page & Katherine Sencindiver Harrisonburg, VA
william left a message on January 30, 2013:
DEAR CAROL & FAMILY: I NEW SONNY FROM HOSE CO NO 4 FIRE DEPT AND SONNY WORKED FOR MY FATHER AT SMITHS TRANSFER IN HARRISONBURG. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A MOMENT THATI REMEMBER. 1983/1982 I DROVE A FIRE TRUCK IN THE APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE. SONNY CAME UP TO ME AND THANK ME FOR BRINGING THE TRUCK FROM HIS HOME TOWN TO THE PARADE. SONNY WAS AFUN/NICE MANDTO AROUND. I NEW BIIL WILLIS AND HIS WIFE ALSO. I WISH WE WOULD HAVE MADE CONTACT IN PAST YEARS.. AGAIN SORRY TO HER ABOUT YOUR LOSS. BILL/CAROLYN BRAITHWAITE HARRISONBURG, VA
Michael and Christine left a message on January 30, 2013:
Dear Carol, Lisa, and Andy, We were shocked and grieved to hear that Sonny had left us. We had run into him at Lowes several times this year and he always spoke proudly of his children and grandchildren and the fun time that he spent with them. He was also proud of his wife's golf prowess and continued work with children. What an aptly named guy - his warm smile and calm accepting temperment made him the best of the good ole boys. Our family roots go deep into the years we spent on Bloomery Star Route with your loving family. And the connection continues with Megan and Jon and Porter (and new baby on the way) living in Salisbury Maryland. You are responsible for our enjoying many wonderful beach vacations in Fenwick and environs that go on still. We will never forget how you lent us your home for an Easter family reunion or how you found and buried Sooty for us. The older girls have great memories of playing in the woods and Andy's amazing creativity. In late May we retired to a gated community in Richmond where my mom has her home on the next street. Amanda and Thomas are expecting their first any day and Cathrine is Art Director of a childrens' catalog. So although we can't be with you we want you to know we are thinking of you in this great loss. The world is a poorer place without Sonny. God bless you at this difficult time. Love, Michael and Christi Roby and family
Richard left a message on January 30, 2013:
Sonny was a delight to know and we will all miss him. I am now 70 and we go back many years. Sometime in the early 50's we vied for the eye and affection of a gal named Betsy Clark who lived in the Sunset Heights area of Harrisonburg. At that time Sonny had a Model A Ford and we would drive by Betsy's home and blow the horn. Sometimes we would take her for a ride around the block. I remember I took her to a circus one time in Harrisonburg but a favorable relationship did not develop. At some later time she moved from Harrisonburg. Since Sonny was older and in the Navy I didn't see much of him for some years until we both attended Shenandoah College in Dayton, Va. We renewed our friendship and ran around together for quite some time. We had classes together and double dated together at times in that 1959 Ragtop Chevrolet he was very proud of. Sonny was a cat bird and always had a smile on his face. It took a lot to upset him, but when you did you had better bar the door. I could tell some stories about the two of us, but I might embarrass myself. He was a good personal friend and a person you could always depend on. Unfortunately I did not see Sonny for many years after college until sometime in the mid-80's when I stopped in at his office in Winchester and spent some time with him. Although a lot of water was over the dam, we still enjoyed the time we spent together that day. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. I'll never forget him! Richard T. Deadrick 131 Tilbury Court Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540)433-0151
Linda left a message on January 30, 2013:
Carol, I was saddened to pick up the Star today. His smile, humor and love for mankind will be missed by many. I probably won't see you on Thursday (Hospice comes at three), but will have you in my prayers. Linda Strader, Strader17@comcast.net
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Dan left a message on January 30, 2013:
It was an honor to call Sonny my friend. He was an excellent leader and mentor in the Exchange Club. His hard work and dedication to our community was a becon of light for others to follow. We will all miss him, but I am thankful to have spend the last 7 years with him in the Club. Your Friend, Dan Argiro
Billy left a message on January 30, 2013:
Dear Carol and family, I so enjoyed the time spent with Sonny and Bobby at Gwen Laymans service in the Orlando area recently. Sonny looked good then, What a surprise, Edi and I are at our place in Lake Hickory in N.C. and will try to be there for the service Thur. I told Sonny in Orlando what great memories Recalled from our days in Harrisonburg. So sad, thoughts and prayers are with you, Billy Flippo, Energizer2k0@hotmail.com
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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