Charles C. Chapman

Charles C. Chapman, 76, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on October 10, 2019. He was born on December 30, 1942, to Richard and Jewel Chapman in Tampa, FL.
Charles grew up in the Tampa, FL area and graduated from Plant High School. He earned his BS from the University of Florida and an MBA from William and Mary. In the Air Force, he was the Chief Engineer responsible for a team that maintained C-130 cargo planes and achieved the rank of Captain.
Charles married Jan Hall of Vacaville, CA. and had two sons, Kelly and Charles Jr. After their divorce, he married Janet Scott of Mobile, AL in 1983. Following that divorce, he began an 11-year relationship with Jane Eshleman of Punta Gorda, FL.
His career in engineering and mill management took him to Savannah, GA., Demopolis, AL. and back to Savannah before he retired in Punta Gorda, FL in 2007. He loved sailing and in the early ’90s bought a Hunter sailboat, which he named Shenanigans.
Chapman was a skilled engineer, often making repairs and modifications to his cars and around the house. In retirement, he worked maintaining trailers in his Punta Gorda community. Longtime partner Eshleman described Chapman as “brilliant, kind, and a true Southern gentleman.”
He will be deeply missed by sons Kelly Chapman and Charles Carson Chapman Jr.; sister-in-law Stephanie Chapman; niece Stephanie Chapman Parker; and nephews Richard Chapman III and John Chapman of Tampa; daughter Courtney Hudson; longtime partner Jane Eshleman; and stepdaughters Erin Clendenen and Alison Epperson.
Funeral plans are TBD. His ashes will be interred in Sarasota National Cemetery. To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of Charles, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook. Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.