Ronald LaVon Chapman, Sr. was born on December 2, 1947.  He was the 3rd of five children born to Deacon Timothy Chapman, Sr. and Louise Henrietta Chapman.

As a young man, Ron accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at St. Johns Church of God in Christ in Newport News, VA where he actively participated in many church activities such as: Sunday School, YPWW (Young People Willing Workers), Youth Choir (president), and Vacation Bible School.  As he grew and matured in his faith, he felt led to become a member of the Deacon and Trustee Boards.  He later became a member of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Hampton, VA where he once again responded to the call to serve as a deacon.

Ron was a 1966 graduate of Carver High School.  He was a smart, hardworking young man who enrolled as an apprentice at the Newport News Shipyard/ HII Apprentice School immediately after finishing high school.  He became the first Black X31 electrical apprentice accepted into this institution of higher learning.  He mastered all courses and graduated in 1970 as a Certified Electrician.  This year proved to be a memorable one as he also married the love of his life, June AlVerne Norman.  They were lovingly devoted to each other and remained married for over 50 years until her passing in 2022.

In the N.N. Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., his skills were noticed and in 1972, he was given the opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge as an Electrician Instructor for the apprentice school.  After a brief time in the electrical department, he became a Construction Supervisor.  He worked in the submarine program and in the carrier (USS Enterprise) overhaul program.  Ron held the position of Construction Supervisor for a very long time and was seen as a mentor to many in and off the job.  He enjoyed his job and retired from the Newport News Shipyard/HII after 45 years.

Ron's relationship with the Lord was a priority that impacted not only his children, but friends and other family members as well.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Left to cherish his memory are his children: Adrina Chapman Hassett (Ed) of Maryland; Ron Chapman, Jr. (Susan) of Georgia; brothers, Robert Chapman and Timothy Chapman of VA; five grandchildren, and a community of relatives and friends. Ron moved from this earthly life into eternal life on May 24, 2024, and as his friend, former pastor and brother-in-the-Lord, Pastor Ronald Johnson, remarked about the transition, "Heaven just got a little sweeter!"

Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service starting at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 17, 2024 at Bethel Temple Church.  Entombment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.