Jesse Chapman, age 83, of Memphis, TN, passed away on November 26th, 2025.

Jesse was born on January 9th, 1942, in Memphis to Jesse N. Chapman, Sr. and June Adkins Chapman. As the oldest of five, he grew up as a big brother to his four beloved sisters, Claire Barnett, Anne Chapman, Elizabeth Kinney, and Kathryn Morelli, who affectionately called him ‘Bubba’. Jesse attended White Station High School, where he was a standout basketball player, irritating defenders with his smooth ‘hook shot’ and instinctive touch around the rim.

A dedicated and hardworking business owner, Jesse spent his 60+ year career running Chapman Furniture, where he was known for his genuine caring and respect for his customers and co-workers. Jesse often extended credit to those who were underserved or underbanked, helping families furnish their homes when they had few other options. He was deeply proud of his work and valued the relationships he built within the community he served – a community which he became a quiet but steadfast pillar.

He was an unconditionally loving and supportive father to his son, Clay Chapman. Jesse has and will continue to be an incredibly positive influence on his son. He was not only an ideal father but also Clay’s best friend. Over the years, they shared countless rounds of golf, basketball games, tennis matches, and gin rummy battles. In more recent years, Jesse especially cherished dinner and game nights with Clay and his grandsons, Callan and Wiley, who brought him great joy and laughter.

Jesse will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, strong work ethic, and love for his family. His presence, guidance, stories, and unmistakable quirks will be profoundly missed.

Surviving family members include his son, Clay Chapman and wife Margot, and their two sons, Callan and Wiley; his three sisters and their families: Claire Barnett Chapman, Elizabeth and Jack Kinney, Kathryn and Marty Morelli, and many nieces and nephews: Robert Barnett and wife Susan, Brooke Barnett and husband Bryan, Kristen Morelli Cantrell, David Morelli and husband Luke, Jesse Kinney and wife Brielle, and Matthew Montgomery; as well as his former wife, Peggy Page Kretzer, with whom he shared many years of marriage, stepdaughter Kemis Page Chapman, and grandson Zander Grace.