Richard Wayne Chapman

Richard Wayne Chapman passed away peacefully Monday morning, July 20, 2026 at his home. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Chapman Edwards; granddaughter, Brandi (Chris) Pardue; grandson, Zach Edwards; great-grandsons, Kolbe (Amber) Pardue, Brody Pardue; and great-great-grandson, Bowen Pardue. Wayne loved Crimson Tide sports and played one year of baseball at the Capstone. Those local to the area will remember Wayne working as the Physical Director at the YMCA for close to forty years. During his tenure, he coached PeeWee football and organized for his local teams to play out of State in the Atlanta suburbs as well as Alexandria, VA. Y-Wood Field was his home away from home and he worked diligently to host 16 slow pitch games each night for all to enjoy. Many of you may have even played softball or football with him over the years. Wayne served as Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Amateur Softball Association for decades, and in 1993 was inducted into the AASA Hall of Fame. In addition to his full-time job, he would travel the State of Alabama to referee high school basketball and semi-pro football games. After spending 3 annual sessions at 4-H Camp in Summers County, West Virginia, he saw a need for a real basketball court and promptly came back to Alabama and between the generosity of people in both states, he raised the money for a real court. When we arrived at camp the next summer, he was greeted with a court dedicated to his nickname, Wayne Bob. In his down time, past hobbies included gardening, being outdoors, taking trail rides over the river and through the woods with his beloved, June Hamilton, and cheering on his favorite team, the University of Alabama in every sport possible. Funeral service will be Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Bro. Herb Thomas will be officiating the service. Wayne will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He leaves a legacy of love and service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to support Summers County 4-H Camp in Wayne Bob's memory. All donations can be mailed to: Summers County 4-H, 451 1st Avenue , Suite 200, Hinton, WV 25951.

Richard Wayne Chapman

October 5, 1932 - July 20, 2026