TITLE: In memory of Rayburn Keith Chapman.

SUMMARY: In memory of Rayburn Keith Chapman.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Rayburn Keith Chapman of Tyler, an admired civic leader and a friend to many, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, The son of Gloria Jean Smith and Rayburn Grady Chapman, Keith Chapman was born in Carthage on January 24, 1952; he attended Carthage High School and Panola College before completing his bachelor's degree in accounting at The University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Following 23 years in public accounting with the Chapman & Robinson and Chapman & Williams CPA firms, Mr. Chapman transitioned to business brokerage as the owner of Horizon Business Group; he was a lifetime certified business intermediary, a board certified broker, and a fellow of the M&A Source; dedicated to his profession, he served as president of the Texas Association of Business Brokers and coauthored five courses on his field; and WHEREAS, Mr. Chapman gave generously of his time and expertise to numerous local organizations; among other leadership roles, he served as president of the Carthage Lions Club and Panola County Chamber of Commerce, and he was a commissioner of the Dixie Baseball League; he was also active in the Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club; sustained by a strong faith, he served on the board of Servants of Christ International, and he was a member of the Green Acres Baptist Church Safety Team; and WHEREAS, A licensed pilot for over 47 years, Mr. Chapman enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, and working at the farm; above all, he was devoted to his family; he shared a fulfilling marriage with his wife, Christa, and he took great pride in his children, Keric and Mandy, as well as his 11 grandchildren; and WHEREAS, While the death of Keith Chapman has brought great sorrow to his family and friends, they will continue to find inspiration in his example of loyalty, integrity, and kindness; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Keith Chapman and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Christa Chapman; to his daughter, Mandy Powell, and her husband, Michael; to his stepchildren, Tyler Fleet and his wife, Erin, Tanner Emery and his girlfriend, Meghan Judd, Jake Hardin and his wife, Morgan, and Nick Hardin and his wife, Kelli; to his grandchildren, Miles, Mason, and Molly Powell, Miller Powell and his wife, Gracie, Everly Joy Fleet, and Eli, Braxton, Grayson, Hadley, Riley, and Weston Hardin; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Keith Chapman. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 15, 2025, by a rising vote.