Pastor Franklin Ray Chapman, 68, of Alum Creek, WV, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 2, 2020, at CAMC-General after a sudden illness (brain aneurysm). He was born October 11, 1951, and was the son of the late Jennings & Vina Bowman Chapman.
He was a member of Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek where he was the Pastor for 32 years. Upon retiring from the pastorate in 2017 he was named pastor emeritus. He was a 1969 graduate of Duval High School, and was a 1976 Bible Institute graduate. Prior to entering the ministry he was a member of Boilermakers Local 667.
Frank’s life verses were Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kim Chapman, one brother, William (Glenna) Chapman, three sisters, Ilene Hatch, Wanda Monday and Charlene Chapman all of Alum Creek. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, David Hatch.
A walk-through visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 2020, from 2:00pm – 8:00pm at the Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. These extended hours of visitation are to allow time for social distancing guidelines. Funeral service for the family will be 3:00pm Friday, May 8, 2020 at the church with Pastor Rick Perrine officiating assisted by Pastor Daniel Dent. Anyone who wishes to attend the brief graveside service after the funeral is welcome to attend at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey. You may either follow the procession from the church or just arrive at the cemetery by 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers please take time to visit a shut-in.
Also, if you prefer to be “Safer at Home” the funeral service will be live-streamed on IMBCofAlumCreek.com on youtube or Facebook under Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. As if losing a husband and brother were not traumatic enough, dealing with COVID-19 has made our lives even more difficult. We hope you understand that we are bound by legal guidelines. Lord willing, we may attempt to have a Celebration of Life service at some point after the restrictions of COVID-19 are lifted. We would love to share hugs, handshakes, and fellowship with you when it is deemed safe to do so. Thank you for understanding. You are dearly loved and appreciated.
When I was younger, I was amazed that Frank took the time to visit me while I was in the hospital. Even though he was not my pastor, he took the time to visit with me and pray for me. This meant so much. He continued to do so over the years with my family’s other hospitalizations and illnesses. I thank God for him that he was there for us when we needed encouragement and prayers.
Pastor Frank will be missed a lot. He always had a smile and a song in his heart
Trilby Kenneth Karen Williams
I can not begin to describe how I felt when I found out Frankie had passed. I met him about 6 years ago when my Aunt Gaye Lynn took me on a trip from my home town in Florida to West Virginia. It was my first time meeting my family on my mother’s side and I had no idea what to expect. Uncle Oshel, Aunt Rosemary, Kim, Frankie, and many other members of the family took us in to their home and treated us so well. I can still hear Frankie’s laugh when he made me a root beer float and I loved it so much I scrapped every last bit of it out. It comforts me to know Aunt Rosemary, Frankie, and my Mother are up in heaven chilling with our heavenly Father and looking over us. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet Frankie because he changed my life the moment I met him. I love you Kim & Family. My prayers are with you and I hope I can visit again soon once everything in the world calms down a bit. Thank you for live streaming the service.
Kim my dear friend so sorry for your loss pastor frank.was the kindness man I ever meet always said hello. and willing to help always a smile .there is a old.saying GOD.takes.the very best.he got one when frank entered heaven.take care of yourself.kim .love you bunches.. pat
Love and Prayers for all of the family. I have never known a more faithful, loving and kind man of God. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. I can only imagine what a day it was in heaven as he went through those gates. What a celebration!
Dearest Kim, you and I went all the way through school together. You are one of the sweetest people I know. I never remember seeing Frankie without a kind word and a smile. May God bless you and comfort you. You and your family ae in my prayers
I cannot say how it saddens me to hear about Pastor Frank. I couldn’t tell you how many times he was there for both my family & my husbands. When my son had heart surgery at the age of 6 Frank & my father in law, Jim Kuhn were there with us in Morgantown. When I lost a sister to Cancer & another to Suicide, Frank was there. When my in laws, Myrtle & Jim Kuhn passed away, Pastor Frank was there. I couldn’t tell you any names of Pastors in Alum Creek. Only Pastor Frank. He’s always been there. He’s been such a godly man & a pillar to this community, he will be so missed.
Kim I pray for Gods loving arms to hold you & comfort you in the days to come. One thing is for sure, we all know Pastor Frank is with the Lord, happy as he could be.
Kim and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Pastor Frank. He was such a wonderful man and has done so much for me and my family. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for you and family today and in the days ahead.
Charlene, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. Praying that God gives you strength during this difficult time.
Kim, I was so sorry to hear about Frankie. He was a stalwart in Alum Creek for so many years and such a man of God. I pray that the Lord will provide the strength and healing to you and Frankie’s family to weather this storm.
We are so sorry to hear of this passing. Every time Howland was in the hospital = within a little while here would come Frankie to visit. He always knew when someone was there. He was a force to be reckoned with on visitation policies. Frankie Chapman will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace.
Sister Kim,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss but we all have that precious hope of seeing our Lord and those who have gone before us. Bro. Frank was always such a kind and faithful servant of God and so very gracious to me and my family. I pray that God gives you the grace that you need to cope with the grief during this time. God bless you and keep you.
Deepest sympathy for all the Chapman family:
Frankie was a dear and special person.
He will so be missed in the community for all of his caring and his visitations in the hospitals for all the local families that provided such a comfort.
May God Bless and care for you during this deep loss of your loved one.
This is a great loss to all his family and friends and members of the Independent Baptist Church of Alum Creek. He was a friend to the needy and ready to help whenever there was a need. He was the most devoted Pastor and he was always reaching out to the unsaved. Heavens gain is our loss. God bless you Sister Kim and all the family.
Kim and family,
It has taken me a couple days to come up with the words that I need to say about my dear brother in the Lord, Pastor Frank Chapman. Please accept the following words as a humble tribute to my dear friend. For whatever words I may say, none will be good enough to express all the goodness and kindness that Pastor Frank exhibited to me over the years. He always treated me with utmost respect, far better that what I oftentimes deserved. His love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was never hidden, as they say, “he wore it on his sleeve as a badge of courage for all to see.” He was a shining light in dark places as he reflected the glory of his Savior and God. If ever there was a man who lived in and by the faith of Almighty God, it would always be he that set the example for the rest of us. I have personally never met another man who had a greater love for the souls of men, than Pastor Frank Chapman. He was God’s special gift to us all. He was to me a beloved brother, mentor, and friend; steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. All I can say is thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. His labor in the Lord is not in vain. For Pastor Frank Chapman, God is his rich reward! My broken-hearted and humble prayers and expressions of gratitude to the family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
David Bailey and family
Frankie was a friend and Pastor to everyone in the community whether you were a member of his church or not. He will be greatly missed. Truly he has a lot of rewards waiting for him in Heaven. Wonderful servant of God.
Br. Frank Chapman was one of the dearest friends to missionaries we have ever known. We have so many wonderful memories of being in the home of him and his sweet wife, Mrs. Kim and being in their church. Each furlough it was always a great joy to visit with them. Praying much for you, Mrs. Kim.
We have lost one of God’s choicest servants. We crossed paths for the first time over 45 years ago. We could never have imagined then what a blessing and influence Frank would have on our lives. Not only did he become a supporting pastor, he became a dear friend. Frank was a man of strong convictions and at the same time great compassion. We always knew that Frank cared for us as missionaries and prayed for us regularly. We know that many others could say the same thing. He truly was a “pastor” in the most Biblical sense. But our loss is heaven’s gain and we know that Frank is now with the One whom he loved so dearly. Kim we love you and are praying for you and the entire family during this difficult time. May God give you an extra measure of His love, comfort and grace.
We will truly miss Pastor Frankie. He was a true angel of God. I am honored to have known him. Frankie was with my family everyday when my dad was in hospice giving us moral support and praying with us. Then again with the recent loss of my father-n-law Herman Hartwell. I have never met a more devoted Christian who dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He was so unselfish always putting others first. My heart goes out to Kim and his family.
Pastor Frank was a tireless worker. I am sure he became physically and emotionally tired, but kept going. As far as I know, he never took a vacation or time off from his ministry. He took his life verse seriously, he lived out the sacrifice part, as he put ministry above his own life and needs. Kim, you are a warrior to have supported this kind of ministry and we know first hand what you went through. You are as much respected and appreciated as your hubby. Pastor Frank made a huge impact on my dad, Emmitt Carrier, when he was dying and I shall never forget how Frankie ministered to my dad. Thank you is not enough and I pray your and Franks heavenly home will be enjoyed as much as I believe you will. Blessings!! Romans 12:1-2, ” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Kim, We are so sorry!! Frankie was always so kind to everyone! He will never be forgotten! We all loved him!! Autumn, John, Rocky, Karrigan and I! WE LOVE YOU!
Pastor Frankie has been in my family for at lease 50 years. A true disciple of the Lord. He was always with my family through all our sorrows. Frankie was my and my families Billy Graham. He was the best Pastor I have ever known. My prayers are with Kim and all his family. We have truly lost a brother.
Few men have impacted me more than Pastor Frank Chapman. I will always be grateful for his godly character and love for people. My heart breaks for his sweet wife Kim. I am praying for the family in these days
The best friend I ever had. Frank’s work ethic and love for people was motivated by his love for God, Well done faithful servants Frank and Kim. We love you with all our hearts. I pray God’s grace, mercy, love and will for the family in this time. We will understand when our faith becomes sight.
Ronnie, Kathy Bailey and family.
I am saddened by the loss of Pastor Frankie, as so many are. The Lord gained a wonderful angel. I am so blessed to have met Frankie six years ago, during the death of my father. I had great respect for Frankie. He made a large impact on my life. He was the most faithful Pastor, serving God that I had ever met. He will be truly missed. I pray for his sweet wife Kim that I’m also blessed to have met, that God will wrap his arms around her and comfort her. My deepest sympathy.
May God wrap his arms around all the Chapman family at this heartbreaking time. Although I live in NC, much of my family is in the Alum Creek / South Charleston area. I attended Alum Creek Missionary Baptist church many years ago and was baptized there. Since 2012 I have lost most of my family. Each time I returned for the funeral of a friend or loved one I would look up and see Frankie walking in with his bible under his arm. What a comfort and blessing he was to see. Two years ago Frankie preached at my brother Bruce’s graveside service. We had a chat, a hug and a promise for a future visit with the Chapman family. I am disappointed and saddened to know that I may someday get to see the family but Frankie will not be among them. Frankie was a rare disciple. A true man of God. I hope all of you take great comfort in knowing that he now resides with his King. Charlene, Wanda, Bill, Ilene and Frank’s wife Kim….Much love to all of you.
Nora Harless
Frankie will definitely be missed. He always met you with a smile and a handshake. . He was always upbeat. I remember him at Duval always a smile. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. He was taken much too soon.
Our hearts go out to Pastor Frank’s family, church family, community he served so faithfully and all who’s lives he has touched with his dedicated service to God. May we meet again that “Golden Shore”!
Frankie touched us all, and all of us that he touched loved him. He made us all feel special and it was true that we were all special to him. He was sweet, kind, and unforgettable. A truly inspirational person. It was a privalege to have known him.
My dear friend, we met Pastor Frank at Bible School. My daughter was 5 yrs old we attended church off and on. My daughter had a stroke at 7, she is 35 now and Pastor Frank was with us from then on, many out of state hospital stays. I feel thankful for our relationship with him, Kim, and his sister, great family God bless u all love and hugs.
I worked for CAMC medical records and labs. I was in and out of all three divisions and one thing I could count on was seeing Rev. Frankie Chapman on my rounds. He will be missed by many wishing to have a visit while in the hospital or just to hear an encouraging word. Fly high brother Frankie. See you soon.
By way of introduction my name Gaye Lynn Weaver and I am Kim Chapmans cousin from Florida. My fondest memories of Frankie were when I brought my niece Tiffany to West Virginia to get acquainted with her roots and we went to Church to hear Frankie preach, followed by Sunday dinner at Frank and Kims house. I can still see Frankie sitting at the head of the table next to my niece. Reminiscing over family memories and having a root beer float. Hearing Frankie preach was such a privilege and honor and a memory I shall never forget. Family is everything to us and I am blessed by God that he allowed him to be ours. Although we did not get to West Virginia often it will always be our home away from home. Love Gaye Lynn and Bill Weaver
Prayers for the family of this true soldier of the cross. Frankie was a community/area pastor who had a pastor’s heart. We will never know how many lives that he touched down here, but as Job said: “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.”
We’ll meet again!
Frank was a very sweet and gentle man that loved the lord and serving his community he will be greatly missed Love and prayers for the family as well as all who knew him FLY HIGH FRANK YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE
Pastor Frank Chapman was a Loving Man and spent countless hours visiting nursing homes all over the valley, this being said, there is nothing more blessed in my eyes. I will miss you and always Love you Frank. Our Lord has found you WORTHY……..Luke 21:36. Our Heart goes out to Kim, we Pray You will be comforted through this Heartbreak and until you are reunited with the Love of your Life.
Prayers for Kim Chapman and the family Franky was a model Christian who loved the Lord and showed it in his life. I will be forever grateful for my pastor who lead me to the Lord and I know I’ll see him again where we’ll never grow old.
I am so saddened to hear this news. My heart aches for Kim, Charlene and family. I cannot begin to express what gratitude I have to Frankie who was there for my family when my parents, Delano and Sally Burton, were ill and dying. Frankie used to work for Dad years ago at his Exxon Station in Alum Creek. Frankie was such a good friend to Dad. When Dad learned he had cancer, and our whole family travelled to Johns Hopkins Hospital in a desperate bid to save his life with surgery (which was sadly not to be), Frankie travelled there and was with us the whole time including when the doctors delivered the hard news to us that there was nothing else they could do for him and surgery would not work. Frankie was with us as Dad was in Hospice. Truly, there is no pastor who visited the sick and cared more about people than Frankie. Frankie was an amazing person who was always there for our family regardless of religious affiliation. I know he will be greatly missed.
My Dear Old Friend Frankie,
I hope with all my heart that you will have found peace. A man like you certainly deserves it. You have been my friend for many, many years and each time we saw each other, albeit not always the best of circumstances, it was as though time stood still for old friends and we could pick up where we left off the during our last visit. Your passing has hit me particularly hard and as I grieve I do so also for your wife Kim, your brother Bill, your sisters Ilene, Wanda and Charlene. To the entire family my sincere condolences. May God keep you Frankie and may you rest well.
Words cannot express the loss that will be felt without Pastor Frank within the church and community. I cannot imagine that there is anyone within the Alum Creek area that he had not visited (either at home or in the hospital), witnessed to, invited to church or was there for just support. He will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to Ms Kim and his entire family. Heaven has gained a true Christian warrior when he passed through the pearly gates and heard “well done thou good and faithful servant”.