Walter Lee Chappell

Walter Chappell from Chester, VA died at the age of 86 on Friday, November 13, 2020, from a long illness. He is survived by his wife Ruth of 59 years and his 3 children Leah Mannon, Lee Chappell and Alta Todd. He has 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, 2 sisters and 3 nephews. Walter Loved his Savior and was devoted to his family. He is described by his family as a Noble steed that was smart, meticulous, and loyal. He often said he was “smarter than the average bear”

Walter spent most of his life in the construction industry and was a talented builder, draftsman, home inspector and artisan wood craftsman. You would always find him in jeans and a white T-shirt smelling of outdoors and fresh sawed wood. He built the home place where his family was raised, and his wife still resides.

Walter served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. Walter was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church and sang in the choir there until he was no longer able to climb the stairs. He volunteered for the Red Cross and was one of the primary founders of Colonial Heights Food Pantry where he volunteered for years, with his wife, feeding people in the community.

Walter used many euphemisms, that will never be forgotten, such as “cotton picking”, “John Brown” and “old Indian trick”. He loved bluegrass music and playing his mandolin. He loved gardening and plants and as he got older, he spent many hours in the hot house, transplanting his small saplings of red maples, he was a friend to the outdoors - always tinkering with or fixing something. We all loved him very much and he will be missed by many!

We will have a private graveside ceremony to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, Walter would prefer you send donations to Colonial Heights Food Pantry in his name.