James E. Chapman

Mr. James E. Chapman, age 82 of Cedartown, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Mr. Chapman was born February 22, 1943, in Dalton, Georgia, a son of Mr. Frank Chapman and Mrs. Nellie Morris Chapman. 

Mr. Chapman was known by many as the co-owner and operator of Chapman Waste Oil Company in Cedartown for twenty-five years. He was a dynamic individual with many hobbies like playing cornhole and horseshoes, and even driving a racecar. He was a skilled fisherman often winning bass fishing tournaments. He was once the winner of a prestigious fishing tournament and took home the grand prize of a new bass fishing boat. Mr. Chapman would go on to pass his love of fishing on to his grandchildren, teaching them all of his skills and tricks. Some of their fondest memories were spent fishing with him and enjoying the intentional time he spent with them. Above anything, Mr. Chapman was a family man. He demonstrated this in his steadfast love for his children and his devotion to his loving wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Bobbie Berry Chapman. His example in fatherhood and marriage is one that will be carried by his family for countless generations. Mr. Chapman will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Mr. Chapman is preceded in death by his loving parents, Mr. Frank Chapman and Mrs. Nellie Morris Chapman. 

Mr. Chapman is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Bobbie Berry Chapman; children: Anita Formby (Jeff), Rene’ Watson (Dewey), Sandy Shadrick (Van), and Jami Tyra (Lee); dearly loved grandchildren, Jessica Ferguson, Dustin Formby, Justin Tyra, and Brooke Tyra; great-grandchildren: Matt Ferguson, Kaylee Ferguson, Laken Formby, Fisher Formby, and Jace Tyra; sister, Diane Bentley; nephew, Jody Ayers; great-nephews, Joseph Ayers, and Joshua Ayers; and great-niece, Aubree Morris. 

Funeral services to celebrate Mr. Chapman’s life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM, in the chapel of Smith & Miller Funeral Home, with Reverend Anthony Trawick officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Bower Baptist Church Cemetery. 

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Travis Ferguson, Jeff Formby, Dustin Formby, Lee Tyra, Justin Tyra, Van Shadrick, and Dewey Watson. 

Mr. Chapman’s family will receive friends Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the service hour at Smith & Miller Funeral Home. 

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. James E. Chapman.