Tony Calvin Chapman, II, 53, of Newberry, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Self Regional Hospital, Greenwood.

Born on May 21, 1969 in Newberry, he was a son of Margaret Wallace Chapman and the late Tony Calvin Chapman.

Tony was born and bred in Newberry. He was a graduate of Newberry High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating from Georgia Tech, he returned to Newberry and began his career as an architectural draftsman.

He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer where he served on church council and was a member of the Pew Duster music group. Tony also taught Sunday School for many years – he was a veteran Sunday School Teacher who all the children and adults loved. He was always one to contemplate religion and faith, but through his illness over the last few years, he found a deeper meaning in his faith and became comfortable sharing with others. Not one to shy away from the tough questions, through sharing his personal journey and his truth that God "thought enough of us", he often ministered to others unknowingly. He was a good and faithful servant.

Tony was a thinker and a ponderer, often challenging others with alternative perspectives. He was a smart guy who could fix anything, who could build anything. Tony was stubborn and had a 'right way' to do things, which was usually his way. He was precise and detailed in everything he did, from baking cookies to drafting blueprints, from tending the garden in the backyard to building a ramp for his home.

He was artistically talented. He played trumpet and guitar, and found joy in playing and sharing music with others. He was an artist, most recently taking classes at the Newberry Art Center where he discovered a love and talent for watercolor. He was a board member for CREATE Newberry.

He was a friend, whether he knew you a minute or a lifetime, he would always greet you with a hearty hello and a big smile. Whether lifelong friends, or friends he just met, he always had time - time to visit, time for a story, time to volunteer, time for others. His laugh was infectious.

Tony had many accomplishments but his greatest accomplishment was his son, Henry. He was an amazing Dad. Henry, Jessica, and all of his family, they were the center of his joy. Tony knew the importance of family and he centered his world around his family.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 16 years, Jessica Draeger; son, Henry Chapman; sister, Jill Chapman (Charlie) of Prosperity; brother, Baird Sanders (Rosa) of Mt. Pleasant; brother-in-law, Brandon Draeger (Chris) of New York City; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Tony C. Chapman and his mother and father in law, Paul and Cindy Draeger.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Matthew Titus at 11 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the Family Life Center at the church.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the SALT Sunday School Class.

The family expresses their appreciation for the calls, texts, prayers, and generous acts of kindness they have received. To Kathy Riggin, there are no words to express their gratitude.

Memorials are suggested to CREATE Newberry; GAAP Food Ministry; and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Chapman family.