Ricky James Chappell

Rick Chappell, age 66, of Gatesville passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015 at his home. Memorial Services will be at Scotts Funeral Home at 1:00 PM, Friday July 31, 2015 with Greg Necessary and Kyle Bloodworth, Rick’s nephews officiating. Visitation will follow the memorial service. Rick was born in Waco on July 18, 1948 to the late Jack and Bonnie Reynolds Chappell. He graduated from Gatesville High School in 1966. He received his nursing degree from University of Nebraska Bellevue College of St. Mary. He married Glenda Whitworth on July 17, 1968. Rick joined the Navy in December 1968. He attended Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes, Illinois and Field Medical School at Camp Le June, N.C. The remainder of his naval career was at naval hospital in Charleston, S.C. He received an Honorable Discharged August 1, 1970. He sold medical supplies for Zimmer U.S.A. until 1973 when he was asked by Dr. Dean, Dr. Fox, and Dr. Morgan to join their orthopedic practice. He was the First Assistant to the doctors both in clinic and during surgeries. In 1994, he became a certified Orthopedic Physician Assistant for these doctors. He semi-retired in 2002, and then moved to Nashville, TN to be near his sons and grandson. He retired in 2011 and moved back to Gatesville. He renewed a friendship with Jane Scott Thornton who was a classmate all twelve years at Gatesville Schools. She was a blessing in his life and led him to rededicate his life to the Lord at the Grace Assembly Christian Church. Rick was known for never speaking an unkind word about others. He loved being with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doloma Bloodworth; niece, Beverly Weidemann; and special companion, Jane Thornton. He is survived by his sons, Ricky James, Jr. and wife, Angie and Kenneth Wayne; grandson, Zachary Houston; sister, Sharon Necessary and husband, Van; nephews, Monty Marlin, Kyle Bloodworth and wife, Regina, Greg Necessary and wife, Misti, and Bret Necessary and wife, Amanda; god niece, Suzanne Howey and husband, Brian; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Operation Stand Down Central Texas for Homeless Veterans (OSDCT), P.O. Box 887, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.