Ralph Eugene Chappell Sr., 84, of Hampton, VA, passed away July 5, 2023.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Chappell Sr., and Hattie Chappell of Edenton, NC and his sister, Bobby Davenport (Stancil) of Norfolk, VA.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia (Ginny) Sue Chappell. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur Chappell, Jr. of Clinton, NC; his five sons, Ralph Chappell Jr. (Alandra) of Memphis, TN, Timothy Chappell (Candy) of Portsmouth, VA, Jimmy Seider of Eaton, OH, Steven Seider of Yorktown, VA, and Randy Chappell (Heidi) of Newport News, VA.  He had thirteen grandchildren whom he loved greatly, Eric, Michael, Aurora, Nicole, Nicholaus, Erica, Evan, Chase, Chad, Tori, Joey, Thomas, and Zach; three great- grandchildren, Ellie, Lukas, and Benjamin; his niece, Stacey; and his nephew, Eugene.

Ralph was a Master Shipbuilder at Newport News Shipbuilding where he worked for more than 40 years.  He enjoyed his job there and was always eager to relive his shipbuilding days.  He also found great joy volunteering for his church, Liberty Baptist in Hampton where he and Ginny were longtime members and Liberty Builders. In addition to Liberty, he and Ginny were also longtime members of Parkview Baptist church.

Following retirement, Ralph found satisfaction in his immense garden, where he and his wife Ginny would compete to see who could grow the best tomatoes (Ginny usually won this contest, although Ralph may not have admitted this!)  In recent years, he acquired a Farmall Cub tractor - something he had wanted his entire life - and this took his gardening game to a new level.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road,  Newport News, VA, from 11 AM to  12 Noon. A funeral service will immediately  follow at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.