June 17, 1946  –  August 27, 2023

TUPELO – Michael Leon Chappell entered his heavenly home on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at his home surrounded by the ones he loved most in the world. Michael, best known as Mike to his friends and family, was born on June 17, 1946, in Loneyconey, Maryland to Thomas and Madeline Chappell. As a teenager, Mike moved to Columbus, MS and attended school there and graduated from SD Lee High School in 1965. Mike served in the United States Marine Corp and courageously fought in the Vietnam War. During his time in Vietnam, half of his heart was here in Mississippi with the love of his life, Sherry, with whom he kept in contact through heartfelt letters which Sherry still holds dear to this day. He was a selfless soldier, upholding what it meant to be a Marine for The United States and would have given his life for his country if necessary. During the war he longed for his home and family that he left behind. Upon returning, he worked for the Corp of Engineers which worked to build the lock and dam on the Ten-Tom Waterway. He then began working for the United States Postal Service and continued faithfully for 27 years until his retirement. That retirement was spent with his family and gathering with them anytime possible. Mike had an infectious laugh that could instantly trigger an uproar of shared laughter by the people around him. There were so many things that Mike enjoyed during his life here football, hunting, fishing, but most importantly were his family and Jesus. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He prided himself on saying he was married to his precious wife Sherry, and the father of his wonderful children Shawn, Michelle and Shad, and the grandfather of the best grandbabies and great grandbabies ever created. Mike was a devout Christian and took any opportunity he could to share the Gospel and the amazing things Jesus had done in his life. Oh, what an amazing sight Mike had this morning as he was welcomed into the arms of his Savior.

Services will be private to the family. Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo Chapel is honored to serve the family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ike Chappell, Paul Chappell, Tommy Chappell, Mary Jo Chappell, and Ellen Malcolm who raised him as her own.

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl Robinson Chappell, and his three children Shawn (Shannon) Chappell, Michelle (Brad) Baughman, Shad (Tara) Chappell. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Trey (Lakin) Matthews, Sean (Kaitlyn) Baughman, Chance (Victoria) Baughman, Hunter (Rebecca) Chappell, Will Thomas Chappell, Skylar Baughman, Tate Chappell and great-grandchildren Addilyn Matthews, Virginia Baughman, Kash Matthews, Micah Chappell, and Peyton Baughman. He is further survived by his sister Pat Chappell (Leo) and numerous other family members and nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be posted on Mike’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.