Barney R. Chapman

Barney R. Chapman, age 76, of Tellico Plains, took his last checkered flag in life’s race and claimed his victory in Glory, Friday, June 9, 2023.

Some people live their lives content in the slow lane, watching as the world passes them by. Barney certainly wasn’t one of them. He was a man who lived his life at one speed; full throttle. He was a proud father, loyal son, close brother, and a faithful friend to many. Barney served in the United States Army for 30 years and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran serving in the 1967 and 1968 38th Scout Dog Platoon. He was a member of the Brown Hill Masonic Lodge #613. Barney was a dirt track racing legend and was inducted into the Dirt Track Hall of Fame. He loved the sport and mentored many young racers helping them reach their full potential. After his retirement he drove an 18-wheeler truck for Lynn Lumber Company, enjoyed spending time camping and fishing on Watts Bar Lake, and working on the family farm. He enjoyed talking about racing, politics, and his relationship with the Lord.

He loved his wife Kay dearly, they had 54 years of a beautiful marriage together, his two daughters, Angie and Mel and the apple of his eye, his granddaughters, Brianna, Dezyi, and Abbee. He had many special friends, racing comrades, military buddies and the entire staff at Lynn Lumber Co.

Barney is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bertha and Julius Chapman; brothers and sister, Frank, Jerry, Don, Ronnie, Jack, Bob, and Sue.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Chapman; daughters and sons-in-law Angie and Tim Kyle, and Mel and Brandon Presley; granddaughters, Dezyi and Abbee Presley, and Brianna Kyle and her husband, Dustin Pueirtt; brother, Gary Chapman; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws;  and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Myers Funeral Home. The masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow with son, Pastor Brandon Presley and Bro. Paul Chapman officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Myers Funeral Home and will proceed to Piney Grove Church Cemetery for the 11:00 a.m. committal service with military honors.