Dedication
LTC Lee Vessels
Lee Vessels, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) the United States Army, of Aylett, Virginia departed this life on April 2, 2002, at the age of 77. A native of King William County, Virginia, Lee was born on February 28, 1925. His parents were Ida Gwathmey Vessels and the late Robert L. Vessels. He was an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church, serving as a choir member, usher, trustee, and chairman of the history committee.
After graduating from King William Training School, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Europe in World War II. Returning to the United States, he used the GI bill to attend Virginia State University, where he received his BS in Physical Education and his military commission. He was inducted into the Virginia State University ROTC Hall of Fame in 1996.
He served in Europe in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was also stationed with his family in Japan, Germany, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
He retired from active military duty in 1968, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his highly decorated military career, he was awarded many honors and medals. He returned with his family to King William County.
There he met Evelyn Mae Jones of Staunton, Virginia. They married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1948.
One of his many passions was to inspire youth. He began teaching at John F. Kennedy High School and became Commandant of Cadets of the school’s JROTC where he taught and mentored for twenty years.
MSG Letcher Chatman
On October 19, 1930, God blessed Wesley and Biddie Chatman with one more soldier for the Army of the Lord. Letcher Saunders Chatman fought a good fight and finished life’s course when the Lord God Almighty called him home on August 14, 2003.
While attending Mount Calvary Baptist Church for many years, he was always willing to assist wherever he was needed. He was a Sunday School Teacher and served as the Treasurer-Secretary for the church Sunday School as well. He was also a diligent member of the Trustee Board as well as the Senior Choir and Male Chorus.
He graciously served his country in the United States Army for twenty-three wonderful years before retiring as a Master Sergeant. He also dedicated himself to the Richmond City Public School system for twenty-three years, working as a JROTC Instructor for John F. Kennedy High School. He was able to touch many people's lives as he devoted forty-six years of his life, serving others.
Additional, he was a dutiful member of the Military Retiree’s Club and a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, where he served as Quartermaster. These organizations will never forget the unlimited amount of faithfulness and dedication he exemplified for many years.
To celebrate his memory, he leaves one son, Lorenzo T. Chatman, (SEC Ret.) of Hopkins, South Carolina; two daughters, Patricia D. Chatman, (SFC Ret.), and Gloria Crawley, both of Richmond, Virginia; one brother, Junius D. Chatman; one sister, Margaret C. Valentine; one grandson, Marvin V. Chatman; two great-grandchildren, DeJeron and Brianna Chatman; one special friend, Ophelia James, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Thinking
“If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't,
If you like to win, but you think you can't
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!”
— Walter D. Wintle