Obituary for Edward Chappell
Edward (Eddie) Chappell was born to (the late) Charlesetta Chappell and Eugene Love on December 21, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of three children, including his brother Jerry (deceased) and sister, Earnestine Remer. At an early age, Eddie believed in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and worshipped faithfully at Holy Family Catholic Church. As a young child, Eddie moved from the South Side of Chicago to the West Side. He attended Medill Elementary School and Crane High School. He graduated from Wells High School and pursued college studies at Crane Junior College. It was in high school where Eddie displayed exceptional basketball skills. As a result, he affectionately became known as “Speed.” Eddie joined the United States Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1965. During his service in the Army, Eddie was trained and certified as a communication’s lineman. In addition,he was assigned to special services where he took up boxing and continued with his love of basketball. Eddie met and married his first wife, Shirley and was a loving father to his daughters, Rhonda and Michele. He was a devoted family man and cherished spending time with his “girls'' and introduced them to travel throughout the United States. He established a weekend ritual of sharing his love of all music genres.As a hardworking family man, Eddie utilized his excellent interpersonal relationship skills to work successfully in the sales industry, moving through the ranks to become regional manager of Horders, currently known as Office Max. In addition, he became a successful entrepreneur.Eddie was the proud owner/operator of Condo Valet Services, a boutique dry cleaning service.He also operated Personalized Delivery Service, a messenger service in downtown Chicago for twenty four years until COVID-19, put an end to its existence.It was there at Condo Valet, in the Lake Terrace Condo Building, that Eddie met Jacqueline McWilliams, his second and current wife. After an eight year courtship, Eddie and Jacqueline were married in 1996. Together they embraced a blended family of five adult children and one ten year old son. During Jackie and Eddie’s twenty four year marriage they enjoyed traveling to San Diego, Denver, Vegas, Nashville, Detroit, and the list is lengthy. Eddie collected hats from every city and wore them faithfully. His massive hat collection became his signature look. Their next dream vacation together was a trip to Niagara Falls. Although their dream never came to fruition, Jackie suspects that they will meet at the Falls on the other side.When one considers the popular TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond,”... well maybe that’s true. However, it’s a fact of life that really, everybody loved Eddie. No matter how challenging a day you were having, one conversation with Eddie would change the course of your day.
Something simple, like a “Hey baby,” “Way to go,” in only the way Eddie could say it, made things lighter and brighter. The world is a better and brighter place because of Eddie. It’s no doubt that Heaven will shine brighter now that he’s there.Eddie earned his wings on March 8, 2021 at 1:30 pm. He left this earth the way he lived his life-his way. He wasn’t sick, and he didn't have a long battle with a debilitating illness. His work was simply done-well done- and God called him home. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline Chappell; two spectacular daughters: Rhonda Jones (Leon), Michele Sanford (Virgil); one bonus daughter Tamera Fair; three bonus sons: Christopher McWilliams, Marc McWilliams and Omoro McWilliams; six granddaughters: Lindsay Jones, Leslie Jones, Symone Sanford, Calah Sanford, Brittany Sanford, Mariah Fair; six grandsons, Cameron Jones, Leon “Dink” Jones (Denyse), David Sanford, Dominique Sanford, Ashton Sanford, Marc Christopher McWilliams; four great-grandsons, Leon Jr. “Lil Lee”Jones, Jordan Jones, Gabriel Spivey, Darryl “3J” Naylor; three great -granddaughters, Ana Jones, Sia Chaney, Nichelle “Shelly” Sanford; one brother, Jerry Chappell (who preceded him in eternity); one sister, Earnestine Remer; a host of cousins, relatives, friends and a best friend/brother, Harold Martin.
Something simple, like a “Hey baby,” “Way to go,” in only the way Eddie could say it, made things lighter and brighter. The world is a better and brighter place because of Eddie. It’s no doubt that Heaven will shine brighter now that he’s there.Eddie earned his wings on March 8, 2021 at 1:30 pm. He left this earth the way he lived his life-his way. He wasn’t sick, and he didn't have a long battle with a debilitating illness. His work was simply done-well done- and God called him home. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline Chappell; two spectacular daughters: Rhonda Jones (Leon), Michele Sanford (Virgil); one bonus daughter Tamera Fair; three bonus sons: Christopher McWilliams, Marc McWilliams and Omoro McWilliams; six granddaughters: Lindsay Jones, Leslie Jones, Symone Sanford, Calah Sanford, Brittany Sanford, Mariah Fair; six grandsons, Cameron Jones, Leon “Dink” Jones (Denyse), David Sanford, Dominique Sanford, Ashton Sanford, Marc Christopher McWilliams; four great-grandsons, Leon Jr. “Lil Lee”Jones, Jordan Jones, Gabriel Spivey, Darryl “3J” Naylor; three great -granddaughters, Ana Jones, Sia Chaney, Nichelle “Shelly” Sanford; one brother, Jerry Chappell (who preceded him in eternity); one sister, Earnestine Remer; a host of cousins, relatives, friends and a best friend/brother, Harold Martin.