Ray Chapman Obituary

Ray Marion Chapman, 82, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2015.  Born to Blaine and Ollie Chapman of Duff, TN, he attended LaFollette High School where he excelled in football and basketball.  Ray received a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee playing center and accompanied his team to the Cotton Bowl. After his sophomore year at UT, he enlisted in the army to serve in the Korean War, and following his military service, completed an undergraduate degree at East Tennessee State University and earned his Master’s degree from George Peabody College for Teachers.  On May 18, 1957, he married Geraldine Chapman, with whom he had a daughter and son. 

 Ray spent his career in Elementary Education Administration serving as principal of Chatham Elementary School in Chatham, VA and John Kerr Elementary School in Winchester, VA.  As the founding principal of John Kerr, he was a frequent visitor to the classrooms and used creative ideas to encourage learning, once spending a day on the school roof in an effort to motivate students to read more books. During his 22 years at John Kerr, he enjoyed working with teachers and parents to create a nurturing environment for the children. 

 He was an active member of First Baptist Church where he made lifetime friends, served as a deacon, president of the Hunting Ridge Retreat Committee, and Director of the SonShine Learning Center. Ray loved the outdoors & was an avid fisherman, hunter & gardener.  He was a smooth dancer partnering Deane around the floor at local dance club events.  Ray enjoyed spending time with his family joining them on vacations, at soccer games, and fishing outings. 

 Ray is survived by his brother, Arlis Chapman (Helen); wife, Geraldine Chapman, daughter, Beth Snyder (Don); son, Brent Chapman (Lisa), and four granddaughters.

 The family will receive visitors at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel on Tuesday, October 13, from 6-8pm.  Funeral services will take place at First Baptist Church in Winchester on Wednesday, October 14 at 11 am. Internment to follow at Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, VA, with a reception at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church, 205 W. Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA, 22601, in support of SonShine Learning Center.

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