Chappell, Richard, Sergeant Major (Rt.)Atlanta Georgia- Sergeant Major (Retired) Richard Chappell, 77, died Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Summer's Landing Assisted Living in Jonesboro, Georgia. At an early age Richard accepted Christ at the Jericho AME Zion Church in Montgomery County Alabama and later united with the Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Funeral services were held at the Holly Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Fairburn, Georgia on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Elder Steve Dean bringing words of comfort. Burial followed at Fort Mitchell National Military Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Richard was born on September 11, 1939 in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the second son born to the late Mary E. Wilson and Isaac (Fairleana) Chappell. Later he moved to Birmingham, Alabama and lived with his Uncle Richard (Maudest) Jackson. Longing to be back in Montgomery, he moved back and lived with his Aunt Amanda (TL) Crenshaw. He received his education in the Montgomery City School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After high school, he entered Alabama State University and completed his BS degree in History and Industrial Arts. Richard then answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps, as well as the United States Army Reserve. He served his country proudly and honorably on several tours of duty. His tenure in the Military carried him to various states and countries. Sgt. Major Chappell served in the Vietnam War and was on active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. During this time, he received many awards most notably: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Rifle M-16 Marksman Qualification Badge and 9mm Sharpshooter Qualification Badge. After serving 22 years, he retired from the United States Army Reserves. He was later employed with the U.S. Department of Labor in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 30 years before retiring to spend time with his family, friends, traveling, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church in Atlanta, Georgia where he served faithfully as Deacon ad served on several boards. He was preceded in death by his Parents and nine of his siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Hilliary Chappell Ratliff, Huntsville, AL; Jennifer Chappell Teele, Dallas, TX; one son Richard Jr (Allison) Chappell, Power Springs, GA; five sisters, Martha (Berry) Shipman, West Point, GA; Linda Williams, Madison, AL; Emily (Lee) Williams, Valley, AL; Byronette Watson, Philadelphia, PA; Frances Evon Jackson, Lanett, AL; one brother, Phillip Chappell, Lanett, AL; one aunt, Mattie Smith, Montgomery, AL; sisters-in-law, Ernestine Chappell, Montgomery, AL; Dorothy Chappell, Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Lydia (Kevin) Williams, Huntsville, AL; William Teele, Dallas, TX; great grandson, Ethan Williams, Huntsville, AL; Special friends, A.J. Hood, Steve Dean, James Chambler and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services were entrusted to Holly Hill Funeral Home, 431 SW Broad Street, Fairburn, GA 30213. Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, announcing.Ross-Clayton Funeral Home