Alvin Dewey Chapman "Al", age 81, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024. He was the son of sharecroppers, born in Deeson, MS, on January 24, 1943. Al is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Virginia Carole (Joyce) Chapman; his son, Alvin D. Chapman Jr. "Chip"; daughter-in-law, Rebecca; grandchildren Hayden Brown (Anna Schnitkey), Emily Chapman, and Joseph Chapman; his siblings Henry, Shirlee, Jack, Faye, Allen, Bobby, Pat, and Tammy; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Scarlett; his parents, Evelyn Crowder Sutton and Henry Chapman; and his stepfather, Virgil Sutton. At Kingsbury High School in Memphis, TN, Al played football and boxed with the Golden Gloves. He graduated in 1960 and continued his education at Memphis State University. In 1963 he married the love of his life, Virginia. The two of them were thespians and met by chance when Virginia attended a play where Al was an Usher. This could have been the end, but a year later, their paths crossed a second time at the McDonald’s drive-in--this time they never parted again. After their wedding, the couple moved to Santa Monica, CA, where Al began his career climbing telephone poles. Over the next 22 years, the family moved across the Southern states, with each of Al's promotions culminating in his heading construction and engineering services for the state of Kentucky. At the age of 42, he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1993, along with Chip, he founded ADC Information Technologies, Inc. (now Integrated Building Systems). Last year, 2023, was a year of celebration for Al, with both his 60th wedding anniversary with Virginia and the 30th anniversary of the founding of the company.
Life in retirement gave Al more time to enjoy family, renovate their 100-year-old farmhouse, fish, and travel. Al was deeply devoted to his family, and he spent every moment he could with them. He loved living close to his grandchildren as they grew up and being a part of the big and small moments in their lives. Al also stayed connected long-distance with his family in Memphis with calls, FaceTime, and surprise visits. Al also loved to play golf with his wife and friends as part of the inaugural Wedgewood Wedgewoodies. He rarely missed watching PGA events and was deeply invested in the outcome. He had a deep love of animals, including his golden lab Jep and tuxedo cat Tux. Over the years Al and Virginia had many furry companions—cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, and even goats. Al was a strong, caring, presence in the lives of many and will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 on Friday June 28, 2024 from 11:30am to 1pm with a service immediately following at 1pm.
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