William Earl Chapman, Jr.

William Earl Chapman Jr. was born in Wink, Texas on February 10th, 1933 to Alice Purvines Chapman and William Earl Chapman Sr. He was the younger of two children and his sister Joan and family relocated to Midland when he was still a young child. It was in Midland where Earl spent his formative years. He attended Midland Elementary and Midland High. During his childhood he worked as a bagger at the local grocery store and mowed lawns for ten cents, so that he could buy movie tickets. His transportation was his bicycle and he was always accompanied by his pet hawk on the handle bars. During the summers, Earl worked as a roughneck in the oil field, where his father was an employee for Texaco and Bum Givens Well Service. There, he gained exposure that would directly inspire his future career and interest in the oil industry, geology and exploration. Post graduation, Earl attended Schreiner Military Institute, obtained a degree from McMurry University in Abilene and was enlisted for two years in the US Army. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Midland where he met and married the mother of his son Michael Kurt. Shortly after, an opportunity in the oil industry presented itself in Post and Earl decided to relocate with his family. This decision eventually laid the groundwork for Rocker A Operating Company and Well Service, which evolved into a prosperous and fulfilling lifelong career. Earl became an active member of society in Post, contributing to the cultural, economic and educational facets of the community. He served as Chairman of the Post Schoolboard for several terms and was awarded with Post,Texas Man of the Year for his contributions. After a period of time and with the company established, Earl and family relocated to Sedona, Arizona. In Arizona his keen interest and skilled development of shooting became a major focus and he acquired the title of International Skeet Shooting Champion two years in a row. Four years later, the oil industry beckoned his return to Texas and he re-established himself as the onsite President of Rocker A, with Kurt as his right hand man. In the mood for a new pursuit and having spent childhood summers in Panhandle, Texas where his mother's family had farmland, an interest in ranching unfolded. Earl planted wheat, purchased cattle and enjoyed participating in both endeavors. He also delved into jewelry making, woodwork and archeology. Earl organized hunting trips with his family and friends and established lifelong relationships in West Texas. In 1989 Earl was introduced to his soulmate, Carolyn Sparling. The stars aligned and he soon married Carolyn and lovingly adopted her daughter Alexis Meredith Sparling. The three lived between Post and Lubbock and sharing the same interests, they began a life of adventure, education, culture and devotion. Earl and Carolyn traveled the world over. From the North Pole to the South Pole, they embraced cultural diversity and awareness. Earl was a Renaissance man and an outstanding individual. He was kind, loyal, successful, talented and entirely devoted to his family and career. Earl was home with family when he took flight. He will be missed by a great many and has left powerful footsteps to follow. Earl is survived by wife Carolyn Chapman, his daughter Alexis Sparling of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, his son Michael Kurt Chapman and wife D'Linda of Post, Texas, grandson Garret and wife Bailey and their sons Grady And Grayson of Post, Texas, grandson Clint and wife Jessica with son Sawyer of Newhome, Texas and grandson Flynn of Post, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warriors, Buckner's Children's Home and Post Girl Scouts. Tribute to Earl will be held on July the 12th from 3-5 p.m. The Willows Event Center 6303 82nd street Lubbock, Texas

William Earl Chapman, Jr.

February 10, 1933 - June 28, 2026