Robert Chappell Jr., a long-time supporter of both Emory University and the Athletics Department, passed away last week at the age of 82.

Chappell funded Emory’s baseball facility, named Chappell Park, in honor of his father, to whom attributed his great appreciation for education and baseball. He graduated from Oxford College in 1956, earned his Emory College degree in 1958 and received his MBA from the University in 1958.

Chappell’s sons, Brett and Todd, both played for Emory.  A 1987 Emory College graduate, Brett was a founding member of Emory’s club team in 1985.  And Ted, who earned his Oxford College degree in 1991 and his Emory College degree in 1993, played on the school’s first varsity team in 1991.  

The Eagles christened the new park on February 19, 1995, with a 2-0 shutout of Rhodes College.  After the contest, Chappell was presented with the game ball.

Chappell received numerous awards for academic achievement and ongoing service to Emory, which he continued throughout his life.  He served as Chair of the Oxford College Board of Counselors, President of the Association of Emory Alumni, President of the Emory Board of Governors, and as a Trustee of Emory University.

“Everyone knows about Mr. Chappell’s contribution as far donations for our field and how that has helped us in recruiting, as well as the positive overall experience for our student-athletes,” stated Emory Head Baseball Coach Mike Twardowski.  “But far beyond that was his commitment to the players as a person of advice, especially for the business school majors.  A friend and mentor to all of us, he was always willing to help out. It would make me feel good when Mr. Chappell spoke of how proud he was of the direction of the baseball program, and the accomplishments of our players both on and off the field. Coming from a person who was held in such high esteem, it let me know that I was doing something right.”

Professionally, Mr. Chappell rose from analyst to Senior Executive VP and Chief Investment Officer during his 25 years at Metropolitan Life in New York. He served on numerous corporate boards, including those of Phillips Petroleum, First Colony Corp., First Brands, and others. In retirement, he returned to his hometown of Griffin, Ga., where he founded Eagle Technologies, owned, managed and broadcast on WHIE Radio, and served as a director of United Bank. In his younger days, he served as First Lieutenant in the US Air Force.