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Howard Clifton “Bucky” Chapman, 78, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born January 12, 1948, in the Cash Community of Cheraw, in the house originally built by his grandpa, “Tom”. He was a son of the late John Clifton and Ruby Amerson Chapman.

Bucky loved many things about life, including his family, serving his church Welsh Neck Baptist in Society Hill, spending time with his friends, being outdoors, fishing, grilling, cooking, and working with his hands in his workshop, his garden, or his yard.

He lived a life characterized by many accomplishments. He was a 1966 graduate of Cheraw High School. From there he attended Florence-Darlington TEC, earning an Associate’s Degree in tool and die, finishing at the top of his class in 1968. He then earned additional Associate’s Degrees in Machine Tool and Technology and Business Management from Chesterfield-Marlboro TEC in 1977. He completed his college career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Coker College in 1982.

Bucky proudly served in the US Army from March 1969 through March 1972. He attended Basic Training at Fort Bragg, NC, AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Jump School at Fort Benning, Ga, and Special Forces Training at Fort Bragg, NC. He was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, Co. D ODA39, Green Beret, as a Combat Engineer, earning numerous certifications for outstanding performance.

After completing his service in the US Army in 1972, he went to work at JP Stevens. In 1973, he began his career with Stanley Tools in Cheraw as a supervisor, where he remained until 1984. He took a position as Engineering Manager with Vermont American in Fountain Inn, SC in 1984 and remained in employment with them until 1996 when he returned to an Engineering position with Stanley Tools in Cheraw, SC. He retired from Stanley in 2013 as an Engineering Manager.

His greatest accomplishments and deepest devotions were to his family. He was married to his best friend and greatest love, Brenda “Kaye” Roscoe Chapman for 56 wonderful years. Together, they raised 4 children: Timothy Owen, Tiffany Jean, Brent Lee, and Catherine Rosa. He was affectionately known as Papa or Papa-Doodle by his 6 grandchildren, Allie Chapman, Addison Gemmell, Brena Chapman, Ava Arnold, Liam Arnold, and Madi Arnold.

Bucky is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kaye, his daughters Tiffany Arnold (Chris), Rosa Chapman, his grandchildren, his eldest sister Jean Caulder of Cheraw, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sons, Timothy and Brent Chapman, a brother, John Thomas “Sam” Chapman, sisters Sara Frances Chapman, Margaret Patty Driggers, Janie Caulder, and Amy Driggers. Anyone who knew Bucky knew how much he loved his 3 legged best friend, his dog Pete, who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can made to: Welsh Neck Baptist Church, PO Box 28, 112 Church Street, Society Hill, SC 29593, Or online at www.welshneckbaptistchurch.org

The family will receive friends 12 noon, Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Welsh Neck Baptist Church, Society Hill, SC.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Welsh Neck Baptist Church, Society Hill, SC.

Burial with military honors will be held in Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens.