Clarence Melvin Chapman, Sr.

Clarence Melvin Chapman, Sr. November 20, 1926 - November 29, 2015 Clarence Melvin Chapman, Sr., age 89, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Melvin was one of seven children born to Hershel & Grace Chapman. He was born and raised in St. Augustine and had lived here for most of his life. While serving in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II, he met his wife to be, Fannie Elizabeth “Betty” Chapman on a bus in Portsmouth, Virginia. Melvin and Betty married on June 4, 1947 and moved to St. Augustine, where they have lived since. In partnership with his wife, he founded Melvin’s Repair Shop in 1962 and successfully operated the business for nearly 50 years. He also developed and managed commercial rental properties during that time. Melvin had a brilliant mind for everything mechanical, and was hardworking and industrious. He loved his wife and his family and was a giving member of his community. He was a longtime member of Moultrie Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty Chapman, and his siblings and their spouses, Hershel (Helen), Lenora (Harry), Lowell (Emily), Leona & Richard. He is survived by his children, Melvin Chapman, Jr. (Linda), Brenda Barber, Robert Chapman (Marie) and Donna Chapman, all of St. Augustine; a sister, Ruth Hudnall, and sister in law, Gay Chapman, both of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Amy Szczepanik (David), Angie Mashburn (Mark), Bradley Grace (Sarah), Alexander Grace (Carrie), Aaron Barber (Denise), Ryan Chapman (Isabella), ReAnn Cox (Justin), and great grandchildren, Brittany, Bryce, Ethan, Riley, Wyatt, Kate, Olivia, Lucas, Davi, Colson & Jackson. He is also survived by his caretaker and friend, Chad Follweiler, his dog, Britt, and many members of his late wife Betty’s family. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Rev. Sandy Colley & Rev. Michael Mott officiating. Interment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations in his memory can be made to: Moultrie Baptist Church, 3699 U.S. Hwy. 1 South, St. Augustine, FL. 32086. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.