Stanford Thadeus Chapman who was better known to everyone as “Stan or Big Rick” was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 31, 1950. He was the third eldest of six boys to the late Ellison and Pauline Chapman. At the age of eleven, he, his parents and siblings decided to make Los Angeles, California their home. Rick attended and graduated from Maclay Jr. High, San Fernando High School, and attended California State University Northridge. Rick was very involved in athletics but enjoyed Track & Field the most. He often reminisced about his time as a “Track Star”.
In 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany and served as a field/combat Medic during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of Rick’s military service, he returned to Los Angeles to settle down and start his family. On January 6, 1974, Rick married the love of his life, Beverly Joyce Jones. Together they created their family and instilled all the family values that would be necessary for generations to follow.
Coming from a family that believes in God, Rick accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior at a very young age. In 1979, he became a member of Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Trustee Board, under the late Rev. TG Pledger.
Rick showed many characteristics that were hard to duplicate. His determination, resilience, independence, and ambition were admirable. He has always been a provider and protector. To know Rick is to love Rick. As a “Jack of all Trades” he worked hard to successfully achieve his goals in life. His career path started as a Computer Operator for Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). As his life started to flourish, he became interested in sports cars and boats. So to no surprise, his career switched paths, and he became an Entrepreneur, owning a auto/body shop and working as a Claims Adjuster.
As the head of his household, he loved his family. Rick was the “Captain” and had a lively soul! He loved to host his family and friends, as he enjoyed entertaining. Listening to music was soothing to his soul and he could dance the night away. He especially enjoyed creating memories with his grandchildren. He was a reflection of family values, and passed down the examples that we can all relate to regarding Rick. You could find him being the Master Griller at family reunions, or on a casual Sunday. He enjoyed sharing new experiences while travelling, taking his boat out, water skiing, and even snow skiing. He loved socializing, playing cards and dominos, and most importantly sharing his knowledge and life skills with those he loved. He had a laugh which was one of a kind, and a smile that was contagious. His welcoming and genuine spirit was infectious and everyone who encountered him absorbed his energy. He touched the lives of many and was well known as a pillar of the community.
Rick was granted his angel wings on June 4, 2023, at the age of 72. His final days were spent surrounded by family and close friends that Rick had touched throughout his very memorable life.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Beverly Joyce Chapman. Together they had 3 children, and loved a total of 4. Felice Diane, Stanford (Little Rick) (wife Yolanda), Amber, & Robert Cameron. Grandchildren; Kahlil and Brooklyn. Sister Tonjia, Stepmom Veronica, as well as a host of Aunties, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, extended family & Friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellison and Pauline Chapman; his siblings; Ellison Jr, Ronald, Derrick, Dwight, and Marion Chapman.
We will miss Rick. The life of the party who was humorous, suave, charismatic, highly sophisticated, honest and straight-forward. We enjoyed our Angel on earth, and now we have gained a special Angel in heaven. We will miss his energy, his winning smile, the great conversations. The captain has weathered many storms, and now the storms are over. Let’s continue to celebrate his life and live the lives that he would want us to. Rick gave his heart and soul to his loved ones. Let’s forever keep him in our hearts, hold on to the memories, and continue his legacy. Rick lived an enriched and exciting life. We are forever thankful to God for allowing us to spend as much time with him as we did. Continue to love, continue to live, continue to smile.
