Robert Chapman Obituary

Robert Alan Chapman

May 3, 1931 -

November 3, 2025

ELIZABETHTON - Reverend R. Alan Chapman passed from the church militant to the church triumphant on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on May 3, 1931, and lived in Elizabethton, TN.

His late parents were Paul Allen Chapman, a former plant manager at the North American Rayon Corporation and American Bemberg Corporation, and Margaret Broyles Chapman.

He attended grade school in Elizabethton and was honored in 1945, during World War II, with the General Eisenhower Civilian Rank of General Medal, for his work in the war drive.

Alan attended Baylor Military School in Chattanooga, TN, where he served as a member of the Gerry Rifles display platoon. He also served as a company commander while lettering in several sports.

Reverend Chapman attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA., where he lettered in football as a freshman. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, a chapter recognized for the number of members entering the gospel ministry of Jesus Christ.

Upon receiving a call to the ministry, Alan transferred to King University in Bristol, TN, where he lettered in baseball. He received a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree from Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, GA.

Reverend Chapman served churches in Hendersonville, NC; Greeneville, TN; Cedar Bluff, VA; Miami, FL; Dyersburg, TN; Johnson City, TN; and Bristol, TN/VA, where he retired in 2015, at the age of 84. During his time in Dyersburg, Alan created an impactful ministry called "Dial-A-Devotion", which provided the community with an opportunity to hear a brief pre-recorded devotion through a simple phone call. During that time, he also enjoyed opportunities to serve for the Billy Graham crusades.

During the mid-1980s, he served as President of the Elizabethton High School Band Boosters, where he and his wife, Marjene, created the popular slogan, "Love That Betsy Band." It brought him great joy every time he saw it on a bumper sticker.

Alan was a WWI & II history buff and enjoyed building model airplanes from those time periods. He was very proud of his extensive collection of models and would happily share the history of every plane.

Most will remember him by his love and compassion for others. His generosity, warm smile, and uplifting words touched the lives of many.

In addition to his parents, Reverend Chapman was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marjene Cox Chapman.

Survivors include his daughter, Tamara Chapman Heston, and husband Philip, of Hendersonville, NC; grandson, CPT Chapman Thomas-Administrative/Fiscal Law Attorney and Special Victims' Counsel, US Army, wife Leanne; and great-grandson Elijah Thomas, of Kapolei, HI; son, Leighton Alan Chapman, of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Evangeline Chapman Hurter, and husband Cliff, of Johnson City, TN; grandsons, Graham and Bradford Hurter; sister, Carol Smith, of Knoxville, TN; brother, Dale Chapman, and wife Dorothy of Johnson City, TN, and a host of great friends and neighbors.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, TN, on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 am till the service hour. Participating pastors will be: Reverend Paul Helphinstine, First Presbyterian Church, Johnson City, TN; and Reverend Rich Fifield. A private graveside service at Happy Valley Memorial Park will precede the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to: First Presbyterian Church, 105 S. Boone St., Johnson City, TN 37604, or First United Methodist Church, 900 Spring St, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Chapman family (423-610-7171).