Lee Carter Chappell

Lee Carter Chappell, 80, of Kingsport, passed from Earth to begin Eternal Patrol on March 21, 2026. Lee was born in San Jose, California on August 17, 1945. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in Monteagle, TN in 1963. He enlisted in the Navy in 1964, serving in submarine service until 1971. He was stationed in both Hawaii and Norfolk, VA.

He graduated from The University of Tennessee as a mechanical engineer in 1975. Lee was employed by Eastman from 1975 to 2004. He was a member of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and sang in the choir.

During retirement, Lee and his family enjoyed boating, fishing and beach vacations. He also enjoyed travel to all 50 states and Europe, including a special trip to Normandy, in 2022. He was a member of the honor guard for American Legion Posts 3/265, and cherished his time spent as a part of the guard. He was a member of the Smoky Mountain Submarine Veterans Chapter.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Mountain Home VA Hospital. A special thank you to Sara, his nurse during hospice care.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert F. and Gladys Chappell; sisters, Susan and Caroline.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 57 years, Ruby Chappell; sons, Mike (Tracy) Chappell, Tim (Callie) Chappell; grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan, Charlotte, Ella and Madeline Chappell.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church with Pastor Tim Paul officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any veteran connected organization of your choice; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 631 Lebanon Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663.