This invitational honors the legacy of Gladys Chapman and Joseph F. Chapman III who both lived a life based on values of integrity and a passion to serve others.
The tournament was initially named in memory of Gladys Chapman; a school teacher turned Supervisor of Elections. She was many things to many people in her lifetime: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, den mother, teacher, civic leader, public servant, and friend. Gladys Chapman loved children, had a deep passion for education, and a selfless desire to help those that were less fortunate. At an early age, Chapman recognized the importance of dedication to one’s beliefs after having to go to great lengths to obtain an education. Chapman grew up on a farm in rural Alabama during a time when education was not a priority, most women did not receive a formal education, and schools were few and far between.
Shortly after receiving her degree in education from Troy State University, Chapman married Joseph Chapman, Jr. and move to Panama City, FL where she began her career as a school teacher and a legacy that is second to none.
During her time as a tireless community advocate, she helped organize and serve as the first president of Bay County Classroom Teachers Association- an all woman’s group organized by teachers to have some input in the school system during a time when the principals and administration officials were all men, an instrumental piece in the organization of the Junior Museum of Bay County and served as the Director, charter member and served on the Board of Directors for the Bay Medical Foundation, served on the Board of Directors for the Bay County Council on Aging, played an active role in the organization of the local chapter of the League of Woman Voters, and the FIRST WOMAN to ever be elected to public office in Bay County as the Supervisor of Election; a position that she held for 36 years!
Gladys Chapman believed that the greatest personal satisfaction came from public service and the ability to help others. This belief resonated at the core of who she was as well as the type of example she set in Bay County, as well as in her own home. She instilled her family with the strong belief in giving others a hand up when possible. Her son, Joseph F. Chapman III sincerely took his mother’s legacy to heart and carried it on throughout his entire adult life. With such a strong role model to follow, Joe was destined for success.
Mr. Chapman graduated from the University Of Florida College Of Law in 1963. Following his graduation he served in Tallahassee, Florida as Chief General Counsel for the State of Florida Governor’s Office as well as Chief Counsel for the State Road Board. Returning to Panama City from Tallahassee in 1967, Mr. Chapman entered law practice while successfully seeking a seat in the Florida Legislature for two terms.
In 1968, Joe started Royal American, a multi-family housing development company in Florida. His mission was to develop quality affordable housing for those less fortunate. In 1972, Joe left political office and directed all his time and efforts to the growth of Royal American. Since 1972, Royal American has developed, built and managed thousands of multi-family apartment units primarily in the Southeastern United States. Currently Royal American employs over 1,300 people and manages over 20,000 units throughout the United States.
Joe cared deeply about those less fortunate resulting in his lifetime commitment to the support of many local civic and charitable organizations. He was particularly passionate about children and education. This passion led to his commitment to the Boys & Girls Club and Early Education and Care. Joe also was instrumental in establishing Bay Education Foundation which through the years has funded hundreds of college scholarships for local students. Joe was also a Founding Director of Bay County Council on Aging. He was recognized for his commitment to children as recipient of the Outstanding Continuing Service to Florida’s Children Award in 1999.
Joe spent countless hours and many years serving Bay Medical Center. From 1978-1999 Joe served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Bay Medical for many of those years. Joe was elected to the Board of the Florida Council of 100 in 1989. He was a Lauren Merriam Award Recipient and Chiles Advocacy Award Recipient.
Gladys Chapman and Joseph F. Chapman III lived a life based on values of integrity and a passion to serve others.
The Chapman Invitational honors the legacy set forth by Gladys & Joseph III. All proceeds from the 2020 invitational will benefit several deserving local children’s charities like: Early Education and Care, The Boys & Girls Club, The Panama City Marine Institute, Bay County Education Foundation, Chautauqua Learn & Serve and George A. Butchikas Foundation for Autism. Since its inception, this single event has raised more than $800,000 for charities working on behalf of the children of Bay County.