Ted Chapman

Ted “Teddy Ray” Chapman passed away June 26th, 2024 surrounded by his children in Fort Worth. Ted was born February 10th, 1943 to Grady and Marie Chapman in McKinney, TX 

The Chapman Family lived a modest life in McKinney where Ted and his brother Jerry enjoyed their childhood. Inseparable up until Ted’s last day, their close bond was forged by growing up with very little, but always having more than enough. However, the thought of leaving the then quiet little town was never far from Ted’s mind.

That opportunity came when he was accepted to Austin College in Sherman, TX in 1961. He was granted a scholarship by The Shoap Family through the First Presbyterian Church of McKinney. Ted’s time at Austin College began “some of the best years of his life.” While always having a job on campus, he still made time to socialize. During which, he met a beautiful young lady from Dallas, Jane Kelley. He was taken by her immediately. In the summer of 1965 Ted graduated from Austin College, as he would say, “by the skin of his teeth.” On August 21, 1965, the two were married and remained devoted to each other until Jane’s passing in March 2020. 

Ted always believed if you work hard, doors will open. This proved correct when Texas Instruments offered to pay 90% tuition for his MBA at SMU, if he got all A’s. Needless to say, he succeeded and only missed one day of class. The day his first child was born.

When it was time to make a change and more room was needed for the growing Chapman Family, Ted purchased a house in the Berkeley neighborhood of Fort Worth. He often mentioned still being able to see the nail marks left on the Westbound side of I30 from Dallas to Fort Worth, left by Jane. The family settled and Ted began his career in Real Estate and Construction. Over the next 30 years, Ted created several companies related to property management and construction which were all successful. That success allowed him to provide a life for his family he could not have dreamt of as a child. 

As many who knew him would say, “Ted was one of the nice ones.” He was always offering a helpful hand as a friend or a neighbor. He loved the Berkeley neighborhood and felt the sidewalks connected the neighbors. You could always give him a call to “take a look at something.” He would probably fix it too.

Ted loved the outdoors. In 1994, after many hunting leases, he established his escape in Mineral Wells with a few acres, lots of nature and a dog posse he used as his doorbell. He loved “The Ranch” and all it did for the many groups of family and friends who visited. He always had something cooking if he knew you were coming or not. You would always hear him say “Glad you’re here.” 

While he was known as Ted and Teddy Ray to so many, Pop was his cherished title. Known as Pop to his grandchildren, just as his father, he was honored to care for all the precious cargo he toted around the metroplex. The trips often included a life lesson, lots of giggles and even Drivers Ed. 

Ted was proceeded in death by his wife Jane Kelley Chapman and his parents. He is survived by his brother Jerry Chapman and his children, Beth Jenkins (Judd), Kim Gore (Blake) and Matt Chapman (Allison), his grandchildren Nicki Gore, Libby Jenkins, Judd Jenkins II, Walker Gore, Tess Jenkins, Mary Jenkins, Jules Chapman and Abby Chapman.

 Services will be held August 8th at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth at 11 AM for Jane and Ted.

The family suggests the following should there be an interest in donations: 
Austin College https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/13871/donations/new
Palo Pinto Humane Society https://www.pphumane.org/
Community Hospice House of Burleson https://www.chot.org/giving/?form=