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1950 – 2022

David Bryson Chappell passed away on June 26, 2022, in Auburn, Alabama after a brief illness. David is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Franklin Houston Chappell, and his mother, Sara Elmira Jones Chappell.

David was born in Opelika on Feb. 22, 1950. He was a lifelong resident of Opelika, leaving only briefly to live in Louisiana and New York. David’s calling was to be an educator. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in education from Troy University. He taught for over 40 years working in Russell County (Alabama), New York City, and Troup County (Georgia) school systems.

He inspired and educated hundreds of students. He received awards and accolades during his teaching career. David was known as the family historian and storyteller with a special interest in the American Civil War. He had a great love for the outdoors including gardening, fishing, and nature photography. He truly never met a stranger and touched everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lisa Chappell; their two sons, John (Laurel) Chappell and Nathan (Kelly) Chappell; grandchildren Olivia and Bryson Chappell; siblings Joe (Brenda) Chappell, Ann (David) Harmon, Ben (Betty Sue) Chappell, and James (Cheryl) Chappell; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parlor of Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at noon in the chapel of Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank the staff at East Alabama Medical Center, UAB Cancer Center and Palliative Care Unit, and Bethany House.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David’s honor to Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.

For more information about donating, please visit www.lustgarten.org.