Pastor Melvin Eugene Chatman, Sr.

February 9, 1933 – September 4, 2019

Thursday, September 12, 2019
Visitation: 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Masonic Service: 5:00 P.M.
@ Second Missionary Baptist Church
2369 Bell St., Ashland City, TN

Thursday, September 12, 2019
Lie In State: 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
@Beards Chapel Baptist Church
4510 Beards Chapel Rd., Springfield, TN

Friday, September 13, 2019
Lie In State: 9:00 A.M.
Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.
Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M.

Beards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
4510 Beards Chapel Road
Springfield, Tennessee

Interment
Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
Pegram, Tennessee
2:00 P.M.

Melvin Eugene Chatman, Sr. was born February 9, 1933 to the late Vera Lee Fort and Admire Woodson. He took his heavenly rest on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 4, 2019 after a brief illness.

At an early age Melvin confessed faith in Jesus Christ joining Beard’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death. While a member at Beard’s Chapel, Pastor     Chatman served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, a licensed and ordained minister, associate  minister and teacher of the adult Sunday school class. He attended Robertson County Schools and earned a Master of Art degree at Fisk University in Nashville, TN May 1962 and also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Lane College in Jackson, TN May 1955 and a Master’s Degree from the University of TN, Knoxville May, 1975. He later earned a degree of Divinity and Theology from the American Baptist College of Nashville, TN in 1996 and obtained his Mortuary Science Degree from John A. Gupton College in 1998. Melvin accepted his calling to preach God’s word in 1993 and he   pastored Second Missionary Baptist Church in Ashland City over 19 years until his death. Melvin was truly a servant of the Lord preaching his final sermon the evening of August 5, 2019 and officiating his final marriage ceremony on August 23, 2019.

Upon graduating from Lane College Melvin enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Korean War. Melvin taught in the Robertson County School System becoming the first African   American Assistant Principal at Springfield High School. He retired from Robertson County Schools as Director of Special Education. Never one to set still for long, after retiring Melvin was a Funeral Director and managed Grace Funeral Home in Nashville, TN until its closing, he then worked with Nelson and Sons Funeral Home. He was a 33rd Mason and Sovereign Grand Commander and the Founder of The Unified Supreme Council of the World. He enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his wife, Laviter.

Melvin was an avid sports fan having played football at Lane College. One of the stories he loved to tell was how the Bransford High School girls’ basketball team he coached beat the high school team that famed UT coach Pat Head Summit played on. He loved following the sports team of his children and grandchildren. In later years, he was always ready to travel to the grandchildren’s games to cheer “COACH” them on. He loved hosting game day parties and family events.

Melvin had a previous marriage and to this union 6 children were born, three of whom preceded him in death; Jackie, Melvin, Jr., and Jeff. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Linnett, a brother Frank Woodson, and four sisters, Blanche Woodson, Margaret Matthews, Virginia Woodson, and Josephine Wright.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Laviter Chatman; children, Carol (Robert)     Merritt, Bobby Chatman of Nashville, TN and Karl (Sylvia) Chatman of Goodlettsville, TN; Rachelle (Bobby) Brown, Tonya (Fred) Hammonds and Aisha (Jeremy) Sandifer of Huntsville, AL; daughters-in-law, Dorethea Chatman of Antioch, TN and Lisa Chatman of Franklin, TN; sister, Eva Nell Nicholson of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Robert (Peggy) Woodson; devoted like a sister cousin, Maude “Babe” Jones of Springfield, TN; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.