Obituaries
William D. Womack
William David Womack, 51, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018. He was born December 20, 1966 in Pontiac, the son of David William and Deanna Kay (Federspiel) Womack. William graduated Suma Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Aeronautical Electrical Engineering. William was amazingly gifted and brilliant. From a young age he would often say or do things that amazed his parents. He could read a book and then later recite what he had read verbatim, often quoting chapter and verse. Bill was writing code for computers in the early 1980s and actually recreated a video game Asteroids on a business computer. Recently he was formatting and writing code, creating applications for smart phones, just for fun. Bill was persistent in all things as his love of learning was fierce. He taught himself to master many different musical instruments, but especially enjoyed the guitar. Bill had obtained his single-engine VFR pilot rate and flew small aircraft around Florida, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. He even began building his own single-engine aircraft. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed camping, fishing, and bringing people together for laughter and good times. He was a doting husband and father. His family was very precious to him and his children were his greatest accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; children: Rhandel (Cheryl Mendez) Womack of Eaton Rapids, Rheed Womack of Charlotte, Rhenton Womack of Charlotte; parents, David and Deanna Womack; sister, Lisa Bruce; mother-in-law, Carol Wheelock; brother-in-law, Donovan (Debbie) Wheelock.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, David William Womack; grandparents, Leslie and Fay Federspiel, Melvin and Shirley Womack; brothers-in-law, Daniel Wheelock, Jeffrey Bruce; nephew, Grant Bruce; and father-in-law, Donuhue Wheelock.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bill’s memory to Denise Womack for the furtherance of Rhenton’s education.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Amanda Pearsall
Charlotte resident Amanda Pearsall, 86, passed away peacefully March 19 in Charlotte. An Upsala College graduate, she moved to Livingston, N.J. in 1963 and founded Strawberry Hill Nursery School in 1974. Amanda was a longtime member and senior warden of St. Peter’s Church in Livingston. She moved to Charlotte in 1988, where she was assistant director of the Charlotte Community Library and served on the board for Camp Frances.
She is survived by her sister, Dawn Vander Ploeg (Randy); brother, Wilson Cheney (Joni); children, Randy Pearsall (Josanne), Stuart Pearsall, Heather McGrath (Bill), Becky Scott (Brad), Kari Wright (Todd); and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charlotte (MI) Community Library or Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation (NJ) for Long Term Care in memory of her granddaughter, Taylor Pearsall.
To view Amanda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Claras S. Collins
Claras Selene Collins, 92, a loving mother, and grandmother, died March 28, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. Claras was born September 23, 1925 in Union City, Tenn. to Ruby and Rosetta (Davis) Hastings. She graduated high school in Tennessee, she would later move to Michigan. On March 11, 1982 Claras married Richard Elmer Collins. Together the couple created lasting memories together rather it was going for adventures on his Harley-Davidson, enjoying flea markets, but most importantly their time spent in Florida together. Claras also enjoyed to read country western books, and also challenge her brain with Sudoku puzzles.
Claras is survived be her children, Gwen (Rick) Quinn, Sharon (Richard Jr.) Collins, Sue (Don) Goldsberry, Faye (Richie) Smith, Peggy Atkins, Wanda (Ron) Releford and Linda (Rick) Smith; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband Richard Elmer Collins Sr.; and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Claras on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Rachel R. Duncan
Rachel Renee Duncan, 25, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018. She was born May 6, 1992 in Lansing, the daughter of Curtis and Gail (Swanson) Duncan. She adored her family and cherished every opportunity she had to be together. Rachel graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 2010. She enjoyed playing her clarinet in both the high school band and the community band. She also performed and assisted at Cheryl’s Gymnastics. Rachel also loved cosplaying as Japanese Anime characters and other animated characters.
She is survived by her parents, Curtis and Gail Duncan; sisters, Sydney Duncan, Amber Duncan; grandmothers, Sue Duncan, Judy Swanson; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Rachel was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Francis Duncan and Russell Swanson.
Funeral services for Rachel will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 825 N. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 2, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions to the Charlotte High School Band or the Charlotte Community Band.
To view Rachel’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Kenneth W. Chapman
Kenneth Wayne “Shooter” Chapman, “the greatest guy in the whole wide world,” died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, surrounded by his family. Ken, 75, of Charlotte, was born January 20, 1943, in Leesville, La., the son of William Kenneth and Margaret Eileene (Kelsch) Chapman. In his youth, his family moved to Michigan. He graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School, where he was the star quarterback. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to proudly serve his country before returning to a career at Michigan Bell (later Ameritech). He started as a janitor and worked his way up through the company, retiring from management after over 40 years.
Ken married the love of his life, Christa Breitbach, on July 30, 1988 in Battle Creek and the two settled in Charlotte. Following retirement, Ken worked at Evelyn Bay Coffee in Charlotte, where he loved interacting with his many friends and fellow community members passing through each morning. He enjoyed time spent with his countless friends, especially on the golf course. Ken played several sports, including golf, racquetball, bowling, and slow pitch softball. In fact, his softball team travelled to Las Vegas and won the national championship. He owned racing horses and loved to travel. Above all, Ken loved his family.
Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Christa Chapman; daughters, Wendy (David) French and Peggy (Dennis) Holder; grandchildren, Ryan, RaeLee, Parker, and James; great-grandchildren, Kade, Chaz, and Skylar; siblings, Carolyn (Doug) Becker, Barbara (Sonny) Choveac, and Charlie (Leesa) Chapman; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents.
A private gathering will be held at the first tee at Maple Brook Golf Club (formerly the Charlotte Country Club) early this summer. In lieu of flowers or donations, stop in to Evelyn Bay Coffee and order the new “Shooter” coffee drink, in honor of Ken.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ken on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.