Clifford Elmer Chapman, M.D. (1937-2025) passed away on November 17, 2025, at his West Bradenton home surrounded by family.
Dr. Chapman was born in Savannah, Georgia. He was raised in Tennille, Georgia and attended Tennille High School where he was a half back on the football team and excelled academically. He was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia. He completed residencies in surgery and otolaryngology at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston. He was a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force.
In 1970, he and Preston Whaley, M.D. established an ear, nose and throat medical practice in Bradenton. In 1973, he was one of the self-described Dirty Thirty physicians that established Blake Hospital. In 1984, he was one of the founders of Freedom Village of Bradenton.
After retiring from medicine, he fulfilled a long-standing goal to be a farmer. He established citrus groves in both the Myakka Head and Verna Bethany communities in Eastern Manatee County.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Ivey and Helen Chapman, and a sister, Jacqueline Lindsey (Dan). He is survived by his brother, Jerry Chapman (Wyvonne), his daughter, Camille Rondeaux (Lionel), his son, Todd Chapman (Tamara), and beloved grandchildren Liam Rondeaux and Lillianna Chapman. He is also survived by former wife Mary Ina Baden.
The family wishes to send a special thanks to grandson Austin Roehl and his wife Rachel as well as Chris and Jessica Tavano for all of their care and support.
A celebration of life will be held at the Palma Sola Botanical Park (9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209) on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
