Willard McKinley Chapman

Willard McKinley Chapman, 80, of Morganton, NC died on Saturday, February 07, 2015. Willard was born in Burke County on October 20, 1934 to the late Charles Garfield Chapman and Vertie Amplice Prewitt Chapman. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving with the Screaming Eagles during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Chapman was a lifetime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and excellent craftsman-welder who taught his grandsons these skills. Willard loved his “little family”.

Willard is survived by his wife, Peggy Dale Chapman of the home; daughters, Constance Chapman Stines and her husband, Harrell; Wendy Chapman Maney and her husband, Joe, all of Morganton; two grandsons including, Joseph McKinley Maney and Jacob Homer Maney and his wife, Heather Greer Maney. He is also survived by a son-in-law Glen Edward Smith of Morganton. Surviving siblings include William Donald Chapman of Morganton, and Vivian Chapman Ross of Maine; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins by the dozens.

In addition to his parents, Willard is preceded in death by his precious daughter, Victoria Chapman Smith, siblings, Earsel Chapman, Mae Bullins, Thelma Smith, Louise Denton, Sue Benfield, Merle Dale, Betty Garrison and Brenda Johnson.

The funeral service for Willard Chapman will be 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Larry Cline officiating, burial will follow in the church cemetery. Receiving of friends will be from 10:30 to 11:30 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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