Ainslee "Ike"

Ainslee H. Ike Chapman, 92, departed this life on September 1, 2013 to be with his heavenly Father. Born on November 4, 1920 in Richwood, WV, he is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Ora Lee Skidmore Chapman. He is also survived by his children, Linda Hale Ben, Melodie White Tray, and Tom Chapman Kris, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He lived in several places in West Virginia, but spent the greater portion of his life in Charleston, WV.
He was a man of strong faith and was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church; most recently Bellevue Baptist Church. For many years he was active in Calvary Baptist Church Charleston, WV as a member of the choir, Sunday school teacher, deacon, usher, and member of the church board.
As a child of the Great Depression, he was born into modest means and became committed to education as a way of fulfilling the American dream. Through hard work and sacrifice, he became the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. He also worked hard to allow his wife and all three of his children to obtain graduate college degrees.
He was a Navy veteran of WWII who answered his county's call in December 1941 only days after marrying his high school sweetheart. After service in the North Africa and European theatres, he was honorably discharged to resume his career with the C & P Telephone Co. of WV AT&T. Ike Chapman had a long and successful career with the telephone company, retiring in 1982 after 42 years of service. Starting as a cable splicer's assistant, he rose into management and held a number of positions within the Building Engineering Group.
In 2006, he moved to Nashville, TN to be closer to family. He came to love the Nashville area and especially the caring people of Bellevue Baptist Church. He often described Bellevue Baptist Church as "the best church I have ever attended". He was truly an extraordinary man who was loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.
A Memorial Service for Mr. Chapman will be held at Bellevue Baptist Church on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. until service time. Inurnment will be at Middle Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery on Monday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to The Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate