Robert Bunyan Chapman, Jr.
Robert Bunyan Chapman, Jr. was born September 22, 1918 in Andalusia, Alabama, the son of Robert B. Chapman, Sr. and Beulah Foster. He graduated from Andalusia High School in 1936; attended Emory Junior college in Valdosta, Georgia for two years, 1936-1938; received his Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Emory University 1940 and Bachelor of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia 1942. He was admitted on trial 1942; ordained a Deacon and Elder 1943; admitted in Full Connection in 1944.Appointments during his ministry: Webster, Center Hill, Linden 1942; Chaplain, United States Army 1944; Redland, Florida City 1946; Hialeah, First 1948; Jacksonville, Avondale 1954; Ft. Pierce, First 1958; Fort Myers, First 1963; Tallahassee, D. S. 1969-75; Brandon, First, 1975; Pinellas Park 1979; Retired 1982; Florahome 1983; Retired 1986.
Robert married Arlyne Tarpley on August 20, 1942. They were married 56 years. To their marriage five children were born; Barbara Kortemeier, October 31, 1943; Mary Lynn Pierce, November 22, 1945; Robert B. Chapman, III, January 24, 1948; Esther Zissimopulos, December 31, 1951; and David Chapman, July 23, 1957.
He served on the Conference Board of Evangelism, the Committee on Urban Life and the Conference World Service and Finance Commission, where he was instrumental in developing the "fair-share" apportionment formula which is still in use today.
He participated in three Evangelistic Missions to Cuba and on the last mission his interpreter was a young man, Herbert Perez, who the following year came to live with Bob and Arlyne to continue his education. Following graduation from Duke University, he returned to Cuba to help his people.
Robert passed away on September 3, 1998 and a Memorial Service was held September 6, 1998 at First United Methodist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida. Officiating clergy: Dr. Montfort Duncan, Dr. Harry E. Mann and Rev. Donald Hughes. He was buried in Shady Rest Cemetery in Holly Hill, Florida.
"Robert B. Chapman, whose breadth of vision and understanding ministry gives to men and women hope." Edwin R. Hartz 6/69
Submitted by: Robert B. Chapman, III, Cherie Chapman and Arlyne Chapman