On May 2, 2026, God looked out of his window and called for Robert to come home…it was time to come home. Robert was born May 10, 1950, to Louise S. and Timothy Chapman, Sr in Newport News, VA. Robert was the youngest of five children: Agnes, Timothy Jr., Ronald, and Marilyn.
“Because when you make something almost perfect…you stop.” ~ Robert
Robert was raised in St. John Church of God in Christ, where he confessed with his mouth, believed in his heart, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Robert was active in the choir and Sunday School and loved winning souls for Christ. Robert later joined St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, where he enjoyed being within the multi-generational congregation. He remained an active member until his strength would no longer allow him to attend services in person.
Robert attended Newport News Public Schools and graduated from Denbigh High School in 1968. He joined the United States Army in 1972 and served seven years and nine months on active duty, followed by twelve years of reserve duty. Robert earned his Associate degree in 1981 from Thomas Nelson Community College, now Virginia Peninsula Community College.
While stationed in Italy, he met the love of his life, Loraine Whitener, of Clinton, South Carolina. They were married in December 1976. Throughout their marriage, they traveled to various states and countries at least two to three times a year. They shared a passion for attending Broadway plays, traveling, and visiting museums. Their love and devotion remained strong for 40 years until her passing in 2016.
Robert briefly worked in real estate and spent the last twenty-five years of his working years at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he retired in 2015. He truly enjoyed spending time with his military and work friends, whether it was meeting up after work for dinner, having breakfast, or sitting at the beach or Port Warwick listening to music.
No matter where he was, Robert’s infectious personality would light up a space. His candid ability to give his opinion, share wisdom, quote scriptures, or reminisce about life would always leave a lasting mark on someone’s heart.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Loraine W. Chapman; parents, Louise S. and Timothy Chapman, Sr.; older sister, Agnes J. Chapman; brother, Ronald L. (Alvern) Chapman, Sr.; sister, Marilyn H. Bowman; and nephews, Timothy Chapman, III and Earl Chapman.
He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Antoinette Hunt (Wendell) of Newport News, VA; grandchildren, Britani Lawson (Nicholas) of Runnemede, NJ, Imani Hunt of Madison, AL, and Kendall Hunt and Aliviah Hunt, both of Newport News, VA; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Timothy Chapman, Jr.; nephews, Douglas Chapman of Radford, VA, Stacey Chapman of Richmond, VA, and Ron Chapman, Jr. (Nicholas) of Georgia; nieces, Sharon Richards, Natasia Galloway, and Michelle Richards, all of Pendleton, SC, Lisa Chapman and Neveah Chapman, both of VA Beach, VA, and Adrina Chapman (Ed) Hassett of Maryland; devoted cousin, Reba Chapman Alexander; best friend Aaron Boone (Faith); and a host of relatives and great friends.
The family will have visiting hours from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 700 Gregorys Way, Newport News, VA 23601.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. At the family’s request, there will not be a viewing.
