Philip Godfrey Chapman

Philip Godfrey Chapman of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on June 24, 1943, in Selma, Alabama, to Philip Godfrey Chapman and Dorothy Ann Blair Chapman.

When Phil’s father was deployed during World War II and he was still a toddler, Phil and his mother moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to live with her family. After his father was shot down and killed in China while serving as a Flying Tiger, they relocated to Houston to be closer to Phil’s paternal grandparents, Harold and Helen Godfrey Wilson. A few years later, his mother married N. Maxwell Goodloe, M.D., who became a beloved father to Phil.

Houston would always be home to Phil. He attended Lanier Elementary School and The Kinkaid School before graduating from Lamar High School in 1961. He went on to Stanford University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics in 1965. He later earned an MBA in Economics and Finance from the University of Houston.

Phil began his career in banking with First City National Bank before moving into the energy and petrochemical industries. While working for Cities Service Company, his career took him and his young family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they lived for several years before returning to Houston in 1979. Over the course of his career, his work included positions with Howell Corporation and Kerr-McGee Corporation, as well as petrochemical consulting with DeWitt & Company before retiring.

He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board and as a Stephen Minister. He was also a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class.

Phil had many interests, but hunting, golf, and sports were among his favorites. An avid hunter, he had a particular passion for dove, goose, and duck hunting, and for many years September 1 found him at daybreak in Uvalde, Texas, marking the beginning of another hunting season. He was also a longtime golfer and member of Houston Country Club. When he wasn’t playing, there was a good chance he could be found watching a football game, golf tournament, or baseball game. Phil also valued the traditions and friendships that came with his longtime involvement in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the World Championship Bar-B-Que Committee, where he held lifetime memberships.

Phil and Dolores shared a love of travel and enjoyed memorable trips together over the years, including many trips to spend time with family. Staying connected to the people he loved was always important to Phil.

Phil is survived by his wife, Dolores Johnson Chapman; his daughter, Elise McNeely Chapman; his brother, Max Goodloe, and his wife, Jan; his nieces, Greer Goodloe Stout, her husband John and their sons, Maxwell and James; Allyson Goodloe Caire, her husband Brandon and their sons, Ryland and Mickey; and Amanda Epple Olgeirsson, her husband John and their son, Ivan. He is also survived by numerous cousins and extended family members. And with gratitude the family acknowledges the compassionate care and friendship of Moses Olatunji. Phil was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Blair Wilson Goodloe; and Suzanne Schroeder Chapman, with whom he shared his daughter, Elise.

Phil will be remembered for his gentle nature, his kindness, his easy smile, and his wonderful sense of humor. He valued the people in his life and especially treasured time spent with family and friends.

A Celebration of His Life will follow at Houston Country Club. For those desiring, memorials can be made to the charity of their choice.

A Memorial Service has been postponed, will be rescheduled for a future.