Norlis Clinton 'Skeet' Chapman's Obituary
Norlis Clinton "Skeet" Chapman passed away on Monday, November 16, 2015. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Perry. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Heart of GA Hospice, 1120 Morningside Drive, Perry, GA 31069 or Westfield School, Hwy 41 South, Perry, GA 31069.
Mr. Chapman was born in Perry, Georgia, on September 29, 1924, the son of Chalmus Clinton and Callie Harvey Chapman. His mother having died when he was two, his second mother was Emmie Bryant Chapman. After graduation from Perry High School, Mr. Chapman enlisted in the Marine Corps with his best friend, Edwin Pierce. After basic training he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division where he participated in the mop-up of Guadacanal. On December 26, 1943, he was with the 1st Division on the invasion of Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain. On September 15, 1944, Skeet Chapman was in the 3rd wave coming ashore at Pelilue with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment under the legendary Chesty Puller where he fought at "Bloody Nose Ridge." Among Mr. Chapman's battle medals were the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Bronze Star which signified the award twice - "awarded to the units of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after December 7, 1941. This award is unit equivalent of the Navy Cross."
Mr. Chapman worked for the Department of Defense at Robins Air Force Base where he retired as Director of Ground Safety for WRAMA in 1976. From 1952 until 1965, he assisted his father, Sheriff C. C. Chapman as Deputy Sheriff and Jailer. Athletics played a major part of his life beginning at PHS in basketball and at 16, playing semi-pro baseball with Penn-Dixie. After WWII, he was the playing manager with the Perry Pirates, semi-pro team that won several championships. Mr. Chapman served as Commissioner of the Perry Junior Baseball League for over 15 years where he was a major factor in the building of Tolleson field while also coaching the Babe Ruth and Connie Mack teams.
In 1955, Skeet was the second President of the PHS Touchdown Club. In 2009, the Westfield School Heritage Award was presented to Mr. Chapman, "in recognition of his significant contribution of leadership, time, and resources during the School's early years. As the first President of the Westfield Quarterback Club, he led the efforts to raise money, secure building supplies, and provide volunteer labor to construct the school's football stadium and other athletic facilities."
During his retirement years, he spent many hours researching the genealogy of his and his wife's families. He also contributed many "Letters to the Editor" espousing his heritage and conservative beliefs.
Mr. Chapman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Mary Linton, and their infant triplet daughter, Denise Emmie. Also preceding in death were his brothers, Buford, Comas, Dever "Skip", and Chalmus; his sister, Darthula Horton Dixon; and his son-in-law, Boyd Rider.
He is survived by his son, Don Chapman; his daughters, Debra Griffin (Ted) and Diane Rider; seven grandchildren, Clinton Chapman (Tammy), Molly Rider Moss (James), Bruce Rider (Stephanie), Jacob Rider (Victoria), Andrew Griffin (fiance Jessica), Ashton Griffin, and Ashley Griffin; two great-grandsons, Parker Griffin and Seth Rider; brothers, Edward Chapman and Leonard Chapman; a special cousin, Runa B. Hickman; special caregivers, Jackie Stephens and Dana Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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