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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Ahead of Johnny Chapman’s funeral procession, classic cars were lined up as far as you could see Friday morning along East Central Avenue near Walters Funeral Home.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Johnny Chapman spent a lifetime working for the good folks of La Follette as a member of the City of La Follette Street Department. He was also the life of the party as a member of the LA Cruizers. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.
He devoted decades worth of work from snowy early mornings and late nights to dealing with flooding to clearing trees off roads and more. “He was someone who loved his community, and he was highly thought of among his co-workers,” said Johnny Byrge, City of La Follette Director of Parks and Recreation. When Byrge first worked for the City it was at the Street Department when Chapman was there.
“Johnny was so much fun at our Cruze-Ins. He always had us laughing with his stories,” said Tom Hatmaker, President of the LA Cruizers.
“Johnny Chapman was a person you immediately liked, and he was a wonderful person who loved his family,” said Byrge.
“Johnny had a 1940 Willys with a blower motor. I talked him into taking me for a ride, and he put a $100 bill on the dash. He told me if I could reach it when he pulled out I could have it. Johnny still has that C-note,” laughed Hatmaker.
Johnny was laid to rest this morning on the west end of La Follette at Woodlawn Cemetery. He was 77 years old.
“I will miss him,” said Byrge.
Cruze-Ins will never be the same without Johnny. “He will be sorely missed at our Cruze-Ins this summer,” said Hatmaker. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/03/2023-2:30PM)