From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Tuskegee Airman Roy M. Chappell was born in Williamsburg, KY. He attended high school in Monroe, MI, the only African American in his graduating class. He next attended Kentucky State College [now Kentucky State University], where he majored in chemistry, leaving the school in his junior year to join the service during World War II.

Chappell's aviation career began when he was a volunteer with the 477th Bombardment Group; he later served at Godman Field at Fort Knox, KY and participated in the Freedman Field Mutiny when 104 African American officers protested for equal treatment in the military.

After his military service, Chappell settled in Chicago. He graduated from Roosevelt College [now Roosevelt University] and taught elementary school for 30 years; he was also a post office supervisor.

The Roy M. Chappell Community Education Center at Kentucky State University was named in his honor. A historical marker honoring Roy M. Chappell is at the Briar Creek Park on South Second Street in Williamsburg [note from Laurel West, Williamsburg City Council member].

For more see the Roy Chappell biography in The History Makers; the Illinois House of Representatives' resolution on his death; and his death information at Find-a-Grave, including the Monroe (Michigan) News obituary and additional articles and photographs.