Clayton Chapman

On September 12, 1946 in Talladega, Alabama, Mr. Clayton Darryl Chapman, Sr. was born to the parentage of A.C. Chapman and Esther Mosley (William) Montgomery. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior while attending Smith Chapel C.M.E. Church where he served faithfully as a Steward and Choir Director. He loved the Lord and served Him until his death. Mr. Chapman was educated in the Talladega County School System where he was a 1964 graduate of Ophelia S. Hill High School. Once completing his formal education Mr. Chapman enlisted in the United States Airforce serving his country for four years before receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant E-4. Once returning to civilian life Mr. Chapman migrated to Rockford, Illinois in search of better job opportunities which landed him a job with Chrysler for several years. Around 1971 Mr. Chapman relocated back to Alabama and began working with M & H Valve. After a few years, he decided to further his education at Ayers Technical College where he became a skilled mechanic. With this knowledge, Mr. Chapman became employed with Anniston Army Depot as a tank mechanic where he was a dedicated and devoted employee for over 25 years before retiring from the government with over 30 years of labor. In addition to furthering his educational proficiency, and being a devoted employee, Mr. Chapman continued to honor and serve his country as a member of the Army National Guard and retired after over 20 years of service. Mr. Chapman was a great man who was referred to as the "GOAT' (GREATEST OF ALL TIMES) by his family. In 1967, Mr. Chapman took the hand of his best friend, Claudette Woods, and together they became one sharing over 10 years of marital bliss and the birth of two loving sons, Clayton, Jr. in 1969 and Christopher in 1971. They later decided to dissolve their marriage and Mr. Chapman soon found love again in the heart of Mrs. Mary Cox sharing nearly 20 years of marriage. As the saying goes, first love never dies and this was proven to be fact when Mr. Clayton Chapman, Sr. and Mrs. Claudette Chapman gave their love another chance and were united in Holy Matrimony giving each other all they had to give and making loving memories for 20 plus years. He loved his family, especially his children and his grandchildren. They were a tremendous joy to him. His love for his family knew no bounds, and this was evident in the joy he found in their presence and the support and encouragement he gave them throughout his life. Outside of spending time with his family, Mr. Chapman enjoyed watching football, especially the Auburn Tigers. In his spare time, he would go to the riverbanks and try his luck casting in his rod and reel in hopes of making the catch of the day. On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Mr. Clayton Chapman transitioned to be with the Lord while in the comfort of his home in Oxford, Alabama with his beloved family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents A.C. Chapman and Esther Mosley Montgomery and brother-in-law, Lovell Johnson. He leaves a legacy of love and memories to forever be cherished by his loving wife, Claudette Chapman; two sons, Clayton Darryl Chapman, Jr. and Christopher Michael (Latarsha) Chapman; six grandchildren, Keyana Chapman, Christal Chapman, Christopher Chapman, Jr., Natalie Chapman, Christian Chapman, and Caden Chapman; two great-grandchildren, Tori Harris, Jayce Turner, and Grayson Kidd; two brothers, Charles (Myra) Chapman and Leon (Sabrina) Chapman; two sisters, Elizabeth Foster and Patricia Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Mr. Clayton Chapman's life was one of dedication, love, and unwavering faith. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the light he brought into our lives and the legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace.

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Clayton Chapman

September 12, 1946 - July 25, 2024