Willie Richard Chappell, Sr. (Lansing)

Willie Richard Chappell, Sr. passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 72 years. He was born October 13, 1946 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the son of Willie Lee Chappell and Fairy Mitchell Chappell.

Willie, loving known as Richard or Rick, lived his young adult years in Lansing, Michigan. He later developed a passion for working on cars. Richard was a true family man who loved his children and enjoying spending time with them. He maintained a close loving relationship with his brothers and sisters, so much so that he talked with them on a daily basis. Richard had a kind, helpful heart and would help people when needed.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Shawn Townsend, Carla E. Chappell and Myra L. (Benny) Chappell-Ward; two sons, Richard” Ricky” (Shelly) Chappell, Jr. and James M. Chappell; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Charles E. Chappell, Wichita, Kansas, Ross E. Chappell, Lorenzo Chappell and Glory Chappell, Los Angeles, California; and Fairy Chappell; many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Renee Chappell; father and mother, Willie and Fairy Chappell; five brothers, Ed Chappell, Windell Chappell, Albert Chappell, William Chappell and John “Billy Ray” Chappell.