James Ralph Chapin, 79, of Powell’s Crossroads, Tennessee, died on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born January 31, 1938, in Chattanooga to the late G. F. and Mary Chapin. A United States Veteran, he served first in the Navy and then in Army Intelligence, from 1957 to 1977. Upon retiring from the Army, he held numerous positions during his lifetime, but was probably most well-known for the time he spent as a Marion County law enforcement officer & investigator, a math teacher who taught at South Pittsburg, Jasper, and Whitwell schools, and most recently as Mayor of Powell’s Crossroads. Ralph attended Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church. A 1956 graduate of Whitwell High School, he held a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and an Associate’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Chattanooga State. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in athletic events and performance arts.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved son Tim Chapin; and sister-in-law Reba Chapin.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 58 years; his daughters, Lisa (Kent) Roberson of Pikeville and Laura (David) Smith of Powell’s Crossroads; his son Paul (Jamie) Chapin of Powell’s Crossroads; brothers, Henry (Gloria) Chapin of Sherill’s Ford, NC and Bob Chapin of Chattanooga; brother-in-law, Tommy (Gail) Richards of Powell’s Crossroads; grandchildren, Jordan Carroll, Tony (Jessica) Darby, Stacy Darby, Summer Chapin, Cody Smith, Allison Chapin, Ricky Chapin, Devin Smith and Nicholas Chapin; great-grandchildren, Corey & Hunter Locklair, Bailey Carroll, and Peyton & Paxton Darby; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 13, from 4-8 p.m. CDT at Reed Funeral Home in Whitwell.
A service to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 14, at 11 a.m. CDT at Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church in Powell’s Crossroads with Joe Hedrick officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Chattanooga Police Department Honor Guard in attendance. Current and retired members of the Chattanooga Police Department, Danny Hill, Brian Cotter, Tim Carroll, Danny Jones, Gregg Bowman and Randy Dunn, will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whitwell Schools Foundation, 200 Tiger Trail, Whitwell, TN 37397.
The Chapin family is in the care of Reed Funeral Home of Whitwell, and condolences may be sent to www.reedfamilyfh.com.