Gretna………Henry Chapman Brown, Jr., age 87, of Gretna passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 at his residence.
Chapman was born October 27, 1929 in Amherst County, Virginia, the son of the late Henry Chapman Brown, Sr. and Hattie Irvin Brown. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rosely Irvin Brown. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Emily Lindsay Brown, sons, Henry Chapman Brown, III "Chappie" and Carlton Lindsay Brown, and daughter in law, Gina Policano Brown. He was the proud grandfather of Lindsay Forbes Brown, Morgan Victoria Brown, Grayson Chapman Brown and Mia Carrington Brown.
Chapman was the epitome of a gracious Southern gentleman. Kind and soft spoken, he was always helpful to others. After completing one year of college, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country during the Korean War aboard the destroyer Wallace L. Lind DD 703 and spent four years patrolling the coast of Korea and the Mediterranean Sea. Upon returning from military service, he completed studies at Lynchburg College and later enrolled at the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy.
After completing pharmacy school in 1956 he worked for Patterson Drug Company in Lynchburg for the next eleven years. Looking to own their own pharmacy, in 1967 Chapman and Emily moved their family from Lynchburg to Gretna when they purchased Gretna Drug Company. Chapman was extremely passionate about pharmacy and enjoyed a career that spanned more than 60 years. His oldest son, Chapman, III, joined the family business upon his graduating from pharmacy school in 1983, which has allowed the family business to continue, now in its fiftieth year.
Chapman firmly believed his life was blessed and he frequently expressed gratitude for the lifelong love and support of his wife Emily; that he chose pharmacy as his life's work; and that he had the opportunity to live and serve the Gretna community. He was a member of the Galen Society at Virginia Commonwealth University and took pleasure in serving as a clinical instructor, hosting pharmacy students in their senior year prior to embarking on their careers in pharmacy.
He was an active member of Anderson Memorial United Methodist Church and served the church in many capacities. Over the years Chapman was a member of many civic and professional organizations along with being a member of various corporate boards. Outside of work he enjoyed spending time at his farm gardening and had most recently developed an interest in beekeeping.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Anderson Memorial United Methodist Church by Rev. Sharon Forbes. Burial with Military Honors by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232 will follow in Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Anderson Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 207, Gretna, VA 24557.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.