Merlie C. Chapman

Merlie C. Chapman, 95, of Morganton passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018.  Born in Burke County, NC on May 21, 1923, he was the son of the late John Stevenson Chapman and Dalzie Kincaid Chapman.  He was a US Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, flying in over 70 combat missions as a gunner in a B-25.  Merlie was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.  He retired from the US Postal Service and moved to Sarasota, FL for 20 years.  He moved back to Morganton and worked with friends at Throneburg Garage.  He was an avid camper and traveler.  He was a member of the Senior Group at the Morganton Recreation Center, AARP, Catawba Valley Seniors, and WWII Veterans Group.

Merlie is survived by daughters, Kaye Taylor of Morganton and Joanne Beck (Jerry), of Asheville; son, Andrew Chapman of Jonas Ridge; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Beatrice Chapman; and numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, Merlie was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Brown Chapman; brothers, Roy, Hersel, Moran, and John Tellis Chapman; sister, Annie Mae Burns; and son-in-law, Larry Taylor.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.  The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 381, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family wishes to the Hope Ridge Assisted Living, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Lisa Morgan, and Gary Burn for their care and assistance of Mr. Chapman.