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Mr. Raymond Melvin Chapman, 94, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2023. He was born in a farmhouse in the Antioch Community near Hartsville on December 2, 1928, to Pauline Griggs Chapman and Charles Dewitt Chapman. He experienced the hardships of the Great Depression and knew the meaning of hard work. His first job, away from the farm, was in a blacksmith shop on College Avenue in Hartsville, followed by work at Sonoco, and working with Kerfoot's Interior Decorating. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1945, where he was the salutatorian of his class. He attended Clemson Military College for a short period but returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Retha McIntosh, on July 23, 1947. They were true soulmates and sweethearts and would remain married for over 73 years until her death from COVID on December 31, 2020. He and his brother-in-law, John McIntosh, opened Quality Hardware in 1952. The store was his passion, and he and the staff enjoyed providing excellent customer service and seeing many friends in the store on a regular basis. He would remain owner and manager for 40 years until his retirement in 1992. Too young to serve in World War II, he joined the Army National Guard in 1947. He retired from the Army National Guard in 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. After his official retirement, he enjoyed attending the monthly "Old Timers" supper meetings for many years. He and his two older brothers had a combined service record of 81 years. Raymond enjoyed traveling, working on old cars, genealogy, and history, especially military history. He also enjoyed local history and was instrumental in the restoration of the John Hart Cottage and establishing the Hartsville Heritage Foundation. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church which he stated was one of his greatest honors, and he also served on the Building and Grounds Committee for many years. He taught Sunday school, where he enjoyed mentoring young boys in the junior department, and also served as a teacher in the 3-year-old department. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were one of six couples affectionately known as "The Dirty Dozen." For decades, these friends gathered monthly for bridge games and supper. He was the last survivor of this group. Although Mr. Chapman was not terribly fond of bridge, he was quite fond of pleasing his bride, and he cherished his time with friends and especially her. He was a very caring and kind southern gentleman who had a strong faith and believed in the timeless old-school values of integrity, hard work, love of country and God, and devotion to family and friends. He could fix or repair just about anything. He was always fair and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Most importantly, he was just fun to be with, always full of humor and shared lasting wisdom. He was also very civic-minded, supporting many community organizations and projects. He believed in the adage that one should give back to one's community. He is survived by his two children, Cynthia Chapman Harrell (William), and Dr. Raymond McIntosh Chapman (Pam); grandchildren: Russell Rogers Harrell (Nikki), Lora Harrell Knotts (Blake), Meredith Chapman Bonno (Eric), John McIntosh Chapman (Chandler Ann), Thomas Charles Chapman, and Andrew Benson Chapman; great-grandchildren: Cayley Harrell, Lorelai Knotts, Emmett Knotts, and Lana Hart Bonno; in addition to many special nieces whom he greatly loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Retha, in addition to his brothers, Howard D. Chapman and Harry J. Chapman, and sister Margie Chapman Watson. A private family burial is planned at Magnolia Cemetery. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home are caring for the family. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church 104 E. Home Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550, The Hartsville Heritage Foundation PO Box 212, Hartsville, SC 29551, Hartsville Museum PO Box 431, Hartsville, SC 29551, or The Darlington County Humane Society PO Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551. The family members would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff at Morrell’s Nursing Home, and to Dr. William Powell, Christy Hyatt, and the staff of Agape Hospice. The kindness and love shown by these individuals to our Papa will always be remembered.

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Mr. Raymond Melvin Chapman

December 2, 1928 - February 6, 2023