TUSCALOOSA – Ernest Nelson Chappell, age 80, most recently of Tuscaloosa, Ala. but a lifelong resident of Pickens County, died February 2, 2017, at Forest Manor Nursing Home. Services will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Dogwood Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Memorial Gardens with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th St. NE in Aliceville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Earl Chappell, Jr. and Charles Chappell and his wife, Alice; sister, Verona Chappell Phillips and her husband, Ray; nephews, Ray Coleman Phillips and Daniel Slocum; and niece, Verona Michelle Slocum.
Survivors include his son, Chip Chappell; sister-in-law, Marguerite Chappell; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mr. Chappell was born April 20, 1936 in Aliceville, Alabama to the late William Earl Chappell, Sr. and Velma V. Black Chappell. He was best known for his happy personality and working as a radio announcer in Pickens County and surrounding areas for 25 years.
Ernest also worked for Huyck Felt Company, Gulf States, Stabler Funeral Home and as a security guard at Northbrook Apartments in Northport, Ala.
Ernest was called to preach the Gospel at the age of 18. He served Springhill Baptist, Church, Pickensville Baptist Church and Forest Baptist Church.
Since his father, William Chappell, Sr. was orphaned at an early age, the family has always requested at times like these that donations be made to: Palmer Home for Children, P. O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703.
Published in Tuscaloosa News on Feb. 5, 2017
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