Earl Cleveland Chapman

REMEMBERING EARL

Earl Cleveland Chapman departed this earthly life unexpectedly on December 30, 2024. Born on January I8, 1971, in Hampton, Virginia, Earl was the cherished son of Timothy Chapman, Jr. and the late Gloria Jean Hale Chapman. He graduated from Denbigh High School and attended Thomas Nelson Community College an Johnson and Wales University. He attended New Life Church- Kempsville. It was at Denbigh High School ,where he met Lisa Wise, his wife of 32 years. He was a devoted father to Stacey and Nevaeh and grandfather to Zion. The family would eventually make Virginia Beach their home. Earl had a successful career as a cook ant chef at several area restaurants, including Manhattan's NY Deli, Oyster Point Grill, Don Pablo's and Berret's Seafood Restaurant. Although Earl eventually became an amputee and lost his sight due to complications with diabetes, he never gave up and found creative ways to meaningfully contribute to society. After attending training with the Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired, where he became a contractor for Tidewater Community College and managed the cafeteria's daily operations for 2 years. As an assistant manager for Virginia Industries for the Blind's SERVMART Base Supply Store at Oceana, he diligently served for 10 years. Upon completion of Business Opportunities for the Blind's training program, he became an Owner/Vendor Operator and established White Cane Café in Suffolk, in 2020. Earl was a man of many talents and interests, including his dedication to his family and advocacy for people who are blind and disabled. He served as a former board member of the local Tidewater Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. Through the years, Earl enjoyed sharing jokes, cooking for his family, and making friends wherever he went. He was a stranger to no one and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. Earl was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life. He was a practical joker with a generous heart of gold, never hesitating to help people out. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed cheering on his NY Knicks. He loved music, specifically holy hip hop, 80's hip hop and gospel. Earl was a lover of food, laughter, music, his family, friends and his faith. To know Earl is to have laughed with or to have shared a kind word, whether family, a close friend or stranger. Being humbly social was a special gift upon which Earl was bestowed; those around him were drawn to his infectious and ebullient personality. Selflessness and generosity were two traits that highlighted his personality. Earl was a hard worker, resilient in the face of adversity and consistently provided exemplary effort. His sense of humor was second to none and he was as compassionate as he was funny. Even when ill, Earl was never angry, sad, or depressed — he could find the silver lining to keep pushing forward in any situation. He represented the good that we all need every day in our lives. He was one of a select few who could actually rise to meet challenges daily with a smile. Throughout his life, Earl Chapman was an inspiration to many. He would go on to become a business owner and, in the words of his co-workers, a good manager and leader. We are blessed to have been able to call Earl a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. He touched the lives of so many people. He will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten. Today we celebrate the immortality promised to Earl by God through the resurrection of Christ. He was preceded in death by his mother Gloria Jean Hale Chapman and his brother "TC" Timothy Chapman, Ill. Earl is survived and missed by his loving wife Lisa, children Stacey and Nevaeh; and grandson Zion Clark, Forever cherished and remembered by his father Timothy Chapman, Jr.; his brother Douglas; and his Uncle Robert. His memory lives on with his beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Viewing will take place from 9-11 AM at City Life Church 311 Selden Rd. Newport News, VA 23606. A Celebration of Life will follow the viewing at 11 AM also at City Life Church.  The interment will follow the Celebration of Life at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666. Please keep the Chapman family in your thoughts and prayers.