Rob Chapman at NCTO's 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Photo by Devin Steele
Rob Chapman (L) shown last year with Ricky May, head technician at Inman Mills' Ramey Plant. Photo by Devin Steele
NCTO leaders Rob Chapman (R) and Milliken's Jeff Price in downtown Spartanburg in 2016. Photo by Devin Steele
Rob Chapman at NCTO's 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Photo by Devin Steele
Inman Mills' chairman, CEO & treasurer
GIANT LOSS
U.S. textile industry champion Chapman dies unexpectedly
Posted August 23, 2017
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – U.S. textile industry giant Robert "Rob" H. Chapman III, chairman, CEO and treasurer of fabric maker Inman Mills, Inman, S.C., died unexpectedly today. He was 66.
Chapman was a strong voice and a longtime textile industry leader whose contributions to the industry and Spartanburg County were innumerable.
Chapman, the fourth generation of the family to run the 116-year-old company, joined Inman Mills as a management trainee in 1976. He moved up to plant manager, director, assistant vice president and vice president before becoming president and treasurer in 1991. In 2003, he was named chairman, CEO and treasurer.
He served in many leadership roles in the textile industry, including chairman of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) in 2016-17. During his career, he also served on the boards of more than 30 entities.
In 2014, Chapman was awarded the Southern Textile Association’s (STA’s) Chapman Award, established by the group to recognize individuals for exemplary service to the textile industry. The award is named in honor of Chapman’s family members – James A. Chapman, Sr., James A. Chapman Jr. and Joseph W. Chapman – all of Inman Mills and all STA past presidents.
Chapman received his B.A. in economics from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. He also completed programs from the Institute of Textile Technology – The Management of Textile Technology, the Harvard Business School – Program for Management Development and the National Cotton Council – Cotton Leadership Program.
Chapman and his wife Lacy have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Funeral services will take place Friday, August 25 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg. Read the full obituary here.
Please send your remembrances of Chapman for a tribute article next week here.
Watch: Outgoing NCTO Chairman Rob Chapman gives State of the Textile Industry report in March in Washington, D.C.
Watch a video produced in conjunction with Rob Chapman's recent induction into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame:
Statement by the
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
Rob Chapman was a fearless and tireless advocate for manufacturing in South Carolina, working diligently to ensure that this State maintained a pro-manufacturing business environment. He was a recipient of the Roger Milliken Defender of Manufacturing Award. A true Southern gentleman, passionate about manufacturing, fearless in his advocacy for manufacturing associates and dedicated to his industry and his community. Those are just a few of the phrases that describe the incredible character of Rob Chapman.
Over the next few days, you will read many things about this great man's contributions to the business community. At SCMA, though, we want you to know these things. We knew Rob, first and foremost to be a true family man. He was devoted to his family, proud of each of them, and certain in his care for them. He was a generous man, dedicated to serving his community. He was a strong supporter of his employees, aware of each of them and committed to their wellbeing. He was also as gracious a person as you would ever meet.
We were all fortunate to know him and know him well. We knew he cared about us, and we cared for him. Simply, our hearts are broken, and we are all diminished by his passing.
We rejoice, though, in having known him. We are better people because of our time with Rob Chapman. We also know where he is now, and we expect to see him again one day.
Statement issued by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Rob Chapman. He was one of South Carolina’s best and brightest, a pillar of the community, a strong business leader who cared for his people, and above all else — a loving family man. He will be missed by his many friends and incredible family.
Statement by Auggie Tantillo, president & CEO
of the National Council of Textile Organizations
On behalf of the U.S. textile industry, NCTO extends its deepest sympathies to the Chapman family and everyone at Inman Mills.
Rob’s legacy is immense. In the last two decades, globalization, particularly the entry of China into the World Trade Organization, triggered the most disruptive change ever experienced by the U.S. textile industry. When other companies were going out of business, Inman Mills responded with a strategy of innovation, reinvestment and a willingness to adapt. Today, thanks to Rob’s dedication and foresight, Inman Mills is one of the shining lights in the renaissance of the U.S. textile industry.
Rob was also leader in crafting the U.S. textile industry’s Washington, D.C.-based policy response to globalization. It speaks volumes that Rob’s peers chose him to lead NCTO in 2016-2017 when debate on the now failed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the biggest challenge to the U.S. textile industry since China’s 2001 entry into the WTO, was coming to a climax.
Finally, on a personal note, Rob was a close friend. He was a true gentleman, unfailingly courteous, loyal and generous. Soft spoken and quick to deflect credit to others, Rob was a fierce competitor, driven by the desire to help his community and industry. Most of all, Rob loved his family and his many associates at Inman Mills. He dedicated his life to their wellbeing. If there ever was any doubt that builders can build faster than destroyers can destroy, Rob was living proof. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will long endure.”
