Harry Reppard Chapman, Jr.

Harry Reppard Chapman, Jr., 72, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Harry was a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed community leader whose impact on the Gainesville area will be remembered for generations to come. Harry was born October 27, 1951 to the late Harry R. Chapman, Sr., and Helen (Wright) Chapman, and he was preceded in death by his beloved brother, John Wright Chapman.

He is survived by his children, Cathy Chapman and John Will Chapman, and his granddaughters, Ashley (Travis) Davis, Lindsey Goddard (Andrew Neal), and Emily Shaw (Matthew Tomlin), along with great-granddaughters, Mila and Chloe. Harry graduated from Gainesville State College with an Associate Degree, and Brenau University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Harry began his distinguished career with the Gainesville Police Department on May 13, 1973. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to public service. Over the years, Harry held various positions within the police department, showcasing his leadership skills and expertise. He was promoted to Sergeant in May of 1987 and further elevated to the rank of Lieutenant on February 3, 1992. Harry served in crucial roles, including being a firearm instructor, member of the Honor Guard and SWAT Team, Commander in the Administration and Criminal Investigation Divisions, and Assistant Commander in the Uniform Patrol Division. Notably, he played a pivotal role in planning and staffing security for the 1996 Olympics held in Gainesville/Hall County. Harry often fondly recalled his time as a Motor Officer in the Selective Traffic Unit Program, naming it as one of his favorite assignments. Lieutenant Chapman retired from the police department on September 30, 1996. Post-retirement, he taught at Brenau University, as well as Lanier Technical College, where he became the Criminal Justice Program Director. Harry continued his law enforcement career as a Captain, overseeing the Sheriff's Reserve Unit with the Hall County Sheriff's Office. Harry's legacy is marked not only by his professional achievements but also by the profound impact he had on his community. His dedication, leadership, and love for his family and friends were evident in every aspect of his life. The family expresses deep gratitude to the friends who visited Harry over the years, and they extend a heartfelt thank you to Ann Joyles, who became like family during the past year and a half, providing loving care to their beloved Dad.

Harry Reppard Chapman, Jr., will be remembered as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion in the Gainesville community. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his contributions to law enforcement and education will forever be etched in Gainesville's history.

Funeral service to celebrate Harry's life will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, GA. Rev. Stuart Higginbotham will officiate. Interment will follow at the Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gainesville/Hall County Fraternal Order of Police Foundation PO Box 2502 Gainesville, GA 30503 in Harry's honor

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com