FRANKLIN — Ray Newton Chapman, 77, passed away after a sudden illness on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Ray, who was born in Beckley, West Virginia, served in the Korean Conflict, and was a retired electrician after working many years at Smithfield Packing.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jewell Jones and Victor Jones, both of Franklin; his maternal grandmother, Ora Chapman; and his youngest son, Ray “Ray-Ray” Chapman Jr.
Ray is survived by his loving bride of 55 years, Rose Barfield Chapman of Franklin. His spirit is carried on by his children, Tammy (David) Delahoussaye of Lusby, Maryland; and Johnny Chapman of Franklin, Virginia. Ray had seven grandchildren, James and Daniel Delahoussaye, Johnathon and Tiffany Chapman, all of Lusby; and Timothy, Kelly and Joshua Chapman of Murray, Kentucky; and two great-grandchildren, Analina Delacruiz and Ivy Delahoussaye, both of Lusby. Also left to mourn his passing are his six siblings, Ora Mae Cline, Richard (Cathy) Jones, Patricia Jones, Alice Oberman, Elizabeth (Leonard) Phipps and Victor (Diana) Jones Jr. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Douglas Hopkins, and many extended family and friends.
Ray was a very active member with the Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411 in Franklin. He loved his post family. They have been a source of extreme comfort to both him and his family. He had a great love for music and enjoyed NASCAR. He blessed all who knew him with many valuable lessons. Ray often referred to his favorite poem by Homer, “He was a friend to man and lived in a house by the side of the road.” Ray was a humble, simple man who always had a song in his heart and a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.
The memorial service to celebrate his life will be at noon on Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411, 3385 Beaverdam Road, Franklin, with Chaplain Tim Carmony officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Sgt. Jayton D. Patterson VFW Post 4411, 3385 Beaverdam Road, Franklin, VA 23851.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.