James "Ron" Ronald Chapman Sr.

He was born on February 10, 1939 in Winchester, TN to James Hoyt Chapman and Flora Myrtle Chapman (née Clark).

Ron graduated from Madison High School in 1957. He went on to study engineering at Vanderbilt University - earning a bachelor of engineering degree in 1961, an MS degree in electrical engineering degree in 1964 and a PhD in electrical engineering in 1967.

Ron had a decades-long career in the electrical engineering field, designing equipment and traveling far and wide to implement new technology.

Ron married Mary Alice Chapman (née Hayes) on November 25, 1970 in Nashville, TN. They spent over 55 years together, enjoying their family, spending time on their boat, keeping up with friends, watching various television shows and movies, and, more recently, playing Wordle each day.

‘Captain Ron’ was an avid boater, keeping his ‘Priority One’ at Elm Hill Marina on Percy Priest Lake. Among many things, he was known for his intelligence, steel-trap mind, quirky humor and laid back style. He very much enjoyed being outdoors and on the water, chatting with friends that passed by the boat or down at ‘the hut’. He gravitated towards and enjoyed festive occasions and so cherished the great times and many old and new friendships that were fostered over the years.

Listening to music, especially good, local music, always gave him a smile and kept his foot tapping. On occasion, mostly when alone, he enjoyed strumming and picking his own electric guitar. Over the years, he caught live shows at many classic, downtown haunts, looked forward to attending and very much enjoyed the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society’s annual convention, and hosted many jam sessions at his boat.

He greatly enjoyed relaxing and catching local sports on television - the Commodores, Titans and even Friday night high school football. As well, he enjoyed time with family, both locally and up in New England, playing games, sharing meals and just hanging out.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Chapman; his brother, Ashby Parsons, his wife Molly (née Horner) and their family; his children - James (Jim) Ronald Chapman, Jr. and his wife Tomoko, Debra England (née Chapman), and Hayes Greenway (née Chapman) and her husband Matthew; his grandchildren - Maya Chapman, Anthony, Adam & Ashley England, and Oliver, Desmond & Bennett Greenway; and 6 great grandchildren.

Ron resided and worked all of his years in the Greater Nashville Metropolitan area. Ron’s family is currently planning a Celebration of Life event. Details will be forthcoming.