Edward "Eddie" Chapman

Preacher Edward “Eddie” Chapman peacefully entered Heaven’s Gates on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving family with his son holding his hand as he gently took his last breath on this Earth.  He was 93 years, 8 months and 7 days young.

Eddie, or “Pops” as many called him, was born September 22, 1929, in Branchland, WV to the late Elisha “Cooney” Chapman and Bessie Stanley Chapman.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Nary Jane Manns Chapman, son, Phillip Gerald Chapman and grandson, Robert “Robby” Chapman Mitchell.

Eddie is survived by his son, Elisha Neal (Terri Gaye) Chapman of Barboursville, WV,  his granddaughter or baby doll, as he always called her, Tineil Brooke Chapman of Barboursville WV, step grandchildren, Kelly Saunders Alexander and Chad Saunders, both of NC, siblings George (Phyllis) Chapman of Pleasant View, WV, Charles (JJ) Chapman of Barboursville, WV, Lena Lindborg of Hilliard, FL, and Sharrell Chapman of West Hamlin, WV.  He also leaves behind his best friends and Brothers in Christ, Lucian Isaacs, Johnny Porter and Johnny Courts, his handyman, Jessie (Jiggs) Porter, and a very special friend whom he thought of as part of his family, Terry Terry, many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Eddie attended school in Lincoln County WV.  In 1948, he joined his fellow soldiers in the Korean War effort returning home in 1951 after awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery on the front lines of the battle field.  He married his sweetheart in 1952 and began raising a family.  He worked for Kelly Music Company until 1956.  He then worked beside his wife in the restaurant business until 1963 when he began a career in custodial work with the Lincoln County Board of Education retiring with 31 years of service in 1994.

The most important facet in Eddie’s life was giving his life to God and accepting Christ as his Personal Savior in 1956. He served as pastor for over 60 years to many churches in Lincoln County, WV while currently reigning pastor of McClarity Baptist Church located at 4-mile, WV.  He lived to serve God with his humbleness and genuine love for the Lord letting his light shine and is responsible for bringing many souls to Christ.

Eddie was a small, simple God-fearing man who loved life.  He loved being with his family, going to church and dining out with “the boys” as Pops called them, watching Westerns on the “picture show”, reading and studying the Bible, and his nightly calls from his son.  Eddie was the epitome of humbleness, kindness and mercifulness and will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. He left us with a simple message…”Take my hand, accept Christ and I’ll see you again.”

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Monday June 5, 2023 at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home West Hamlin, WV with Alan Frye and Johnny Courts officiating. The burial will follow in the Franklin Cemetery.  A visitation will be Sunday from 6pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Condolences can be left at www.handleyfh.com.