Life Story
William Evans Chapin Jr., of Callands, Virginia, passed away on November 11, 2026, in Danville, Virginia, at the age of 88.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, on April 6, 1938, he was the son of the late Dr. William Evans Chapin Sr. and Nancy Berry Chapin. A Richmond native, he attended St. Christopher's School, where he played basketball, and graduated from John Marshall High School, where he played football. He then moved to Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he helped build a library for Moral Re-Armament, an interdenominational religious organization, and traveled extensively with the group working backstage as they produced plays in many different countries. Later, when Up with People—an offshoot of Moral Re-Armament—established a ranch in California, Will lived there for a time and helped build a dam on Bear Creek Ranch.
Next, he returned to Virginia to work with his uncles on their farms in King George County before settling in Callands, Virginia, as herdsman for Oakes Brothers Dairy. Upon retiring from the dairy, he became one of the earliest organic farmers in the area on his own farm adjoining the dairy, spending most of his life working the land as a dedicated farmer. He was a faithful member of County Line Christian Church in Axton, Virginia, and was known throughout his community for his warm spirit—he always had a smile on his face for everyone he met.
Obituary
William Evans Chapin Jr.
April 6, 1938 – November 11, 2026
William Evans Chapin Jr., of Callands, Virginia, passed away on November 11, 2026, in Danville, Virginia, at the age of 88.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, on April 6, 1938, he was the son of the late Dr. William Evans Chapin Sr. and Nancy Berry Chapin. A Richmond native, he attended St. Christopher's School, where he played basketball, and graduated from John Marshall High School, where he played football. He then moved to Mackinac Island, Michigan, where he helped build a library for Moral Re-Armament, an interdenominational religious organization, and traveled extensively with the group working backstage as they produced plays in many different countries. Later, when Up with People—an offshoot of Moral Re-Armament—established a ranch in California, Will lived there for a time and helped build a dam on Bear Creek Ranch.
Next, he returned to Virginia to work with his uncles on their farms in King George County before settling in Callands, Virginia, as herdsman for Oakes Brothers Dairy. Upon retiring from the dairy, he became one of the earliest organic farmers in the area on his own farm adjoining the dairy, spending most of his life working the land as a dedicated farmer. He was a faithful member of County Line Christian Church in Axton, Virginia, and was known throughout his community for his warm spirit—he always had a smile on his face for everyone he met.
William is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Oakes Chapin; his daughter, Debra Ford, and her husband, Gary Ford; his son, Bill Chapin, and his wife, Lauren Chapin; and his four grandchildren, William, Grace, Caleb, and Noah Ford. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Mason Neil and Virginia W. Chapin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lucius T. Chapin, and his sister, Mary Grymes Shinault.
Service Details
Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at County Line Christian Church in Axton, Virginia, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow the service at County Line Christian Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice.
