Lonnie Chappell Jr.

  Lonnie Chappell, Jr., age 81, of Springfield, MA, a retired USMC Veteran, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Monday evening, January 23, 2023.

  Lonnie leaves a legacy of wisdom and strength for his entire family and friends. He has left behind wonderful memories of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law.  We are grateful for every day we got to see his smile, for the lessons learned, and laughs shared.

  Lonnie Chappell, Jr. was born in Athens, GA on September 11, 1941.  He received his education in the Springfield Public Schools.  He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1960.  Lonnie completed 4 tours in Vietnam from 1965-1967.  He retired from the USMC in 1980.  He later worked at Digital from 1982-1992.

  Lonnie was an original member of “The Down 5”, where he sang first tenor from 1982 until 1995.  They performed at a Talent Show, at the Apollo Theatre, where they came in second place.  Other performances include opening for The Temptations at the Paramount Theater, the Dramatics, the Stylistics, BB King, the Manhattans, and numerous other events.  He was coined the “Music Man” by the Republican in an article dated July 6, 1992.

  Lonnie is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Chappell;  sons, Lonnie “Lucky” Chappell III of Jacksonville, NC, Lonnell Chappell of Atlanta, GA, and Alon Chappell of Springfield, MA;  daughters, Bernadette Dixon (and Kenneth), LaTanya Lyons (and Gregory), and Renee Walker, all of Jacksonville, NC, Veronica “Roni” Kellum of Las Vegas, CA, Dorika “Shana” Chappell and Monique Chappell, both of Atlanta, GA, and Alexis Chappell of Springfield, MA;  a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews;  3 brothers-in-law, John Petris, Jr. of Dundee, NY, and Mike Petris and Dave Petris, both of Corning, NY;  and a sister-in-law, Kathy Petris of Chicopee, MA.  Lonnie was preceded in death by his daughter, Tawana Jackson, and grandson, Larrell Chappell.

The family would like to send out a special thank you to his VA Home Health Care Nurse, Joanne Spinelli and his Social Worker, Lisa, as well as the entire team at ARA Springfield Dialysis Center, for the excellent care during the past couple years.

As Lonnie would affectionately say “be cool in the Motor Pool”.

Services will be held Wednesday, February 8th at Harrell Funeral Home as follows: Wake 10 am; Funeral Service 11 am; and Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help the family GoFundMe https://gofund.me/c0b0e1f1

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