Classmates in Memory

Ronnie Chapman

Ronald Lee Chapman

Ronald Lee Chapman 

Aug 27, 1946 - Mar 2, 2024

Ronald, born in Waxahachie, Texas to Aubrey Lee Chapman of Ovilla, Texas and Mary Ruth Beasley Chapman of Pope, Tennessee, was the oldest son of five children and attended Lee Junior High, Grand Prairie High School, and Sunset High School in Dallas, where he played football.

In his professional career, Ronald was a certified vehicle inspector and a mechanic at his father's automotive shop on Main Street in Grand Prairie, Texas. Later he worked at the trucking companies, Texas Kenworth and Freightliner, where after many years of service he retired. 

He had a love for race cars and mechanical work which originated from his father, Aubrey. In 1971, along with his dad and uncle, Ronald experienced the first of many highlights in his life, by helping build Race Car #8 which won the Championship Race at Sportsdrome Speedway in Grand Prairie, Texas. He also loved fishing, whether at the lake or on the coast, deer hunting, watching his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, and being a die-hard fan of dirt-track racing and NASCAR. In his later years, when he gave his life to Jesus, he became passionate in serving others and was active with the Texas Baptist Men Association, as a certified truck driver that brings aid to families who are affected by natural disasters in the U.S. 

Ronald will always be remembered for caring for others with a loving spirit. He would send messages of encouragement and love to his friends and family on Facebook. He enjoyed cooking for his family, and anything that was his responsibility, he made sure to take care of it without fail. He was a man who took pride in his country and was known for his patriotic spirit and his love for Jesus. He daily prayed for others to come to know the love of Jesus as he did. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and a deep love for others. 

Ronald is survived by his sisters, Charolette Frazer, Debra Booth and her spouse Terry Booth; loving fiancé, Dominga Salinas and son, Sebastian; daughter, Mechelle Jaramillo and spouse, Oscar Jaramillo; son Ronnie Chapman and Marilyn Brannan; son Steve Chapman and spouse, Heather Chapman, as well as eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Lydia Chapman, siblings: Jerry Wayne Chapman of Grand Prairie Texas, Sheila Gail Dean of Houston, Texas, and his two brothers in law, Leslie Wayne Frazer, and James Oliver Dean.

During this time of grief, let us remember and celebrate the life of Ronald, a remarkable man who touched the hearts of many. May he rest in eternal peace with his family and friends in their new Heavenly home.