Fred was born on September 14, 1923, in New London, CT, to Frank and Annie Edith (Huff) Chapman. He received his Engineering degree in 1944 and a BS Engineering in 1947 from the University of Connecticut. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and South Carolina as well as a licensed Mechanical Engineer and Electrical Engineer. Fred worked for General Electric in Erie, PA, from 1947 to 1984. In 1950, he assisted in founding and became a charter member of YAMSPORE (Young American Men's Society for the Promotion Of Recreational Education). In Pennsylvania, he served on the local school board for 20 years and was President of the Tri-County Technical Board for three years. After retiring from his management position at GE, Fred worked as a Private Consultant for two years before moving to Greenville, SC. In 1987, Fred began his second career at Bob Jones University in the Facilities Maintenance Department. He worked at BJU for 26 years and retired in 2013 at 90 1/2 years-old.
In 1954 Fred married Laura Beanland and enjoyed ten wonderful years of marriage before she succumbed to cancer. Her death brought Fred to the place where he knew he needed God. The Lord saved him in August 1964.
On June 5, 1965, he married Patricia Laverne Mason and they enjoyed 55 adventurous years of marriage. Fred is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Sherrie and her children: Michael, girlfriend Cynthia, and great-grandson Anthony: Leighanna, and Brenden. His daughter Katherine, husband Clay, and children: Benjamin, Abigail, Rachel, Caroline, Hannah, Madeleine, and Emira. His daughter Lucia, husband Rick, and children: Tristen, Haydn, and Ansa. His daughter Christina, husband John, and children: John and Joel.
Among his many gifts from God were his brilliant mind and perpetual energy. His breadth of knowledge was astounding, and his passion for making life better for those around him was a mercy from the Lord. He also was a small train hobbyist, mug collector, curious tinkerer, and corny joke-teller. His faithfulness and stability that he brought to his family and friends will be a lasting legacy.
A memorial service will be held at Morningside Baptist Church on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 PM. Because of COVID-19, friends can view the ceremony from Morningside's Facebook Livestream Channel or their Boxcast App Morningside Greenville.
In place of flowers, you may donate to one of these organizations: ASME, The Counseling Solutions Group, Inc., or Victory Baptist Church Building Fund. Please note your gift "In Memory of Frederick I. Chapman."
Condolences can be shared at www.mackeymortuary.com.
