Amos Chapman "Chappie" Tift III passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 1, 1948, in Tifton, Georgia, to Amos Chapman Tift Jr. ("Bud") and Doris Purvis Tift.
A lifelong resident of Tifton—a city founded by his great-grandfather, Henry Harding Tift—Chappie deeply cherished his roots. He attended Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta before graduating from Tift County High School. An early aviation enthusiast, he completed his first solo flight at just 16 and later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for flight school. He continued his education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.
Chappie’s professional journey began at Tift Oil Company before he transitioned to Pioneer Corn Research. He later found his calling as a home inspector, a role he performed with passion and precision until illness made it no longer possible.
He was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities, including on the vestry as Junior Warden. Chappie was a man of quiet faith, integrity, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. A true country gentleman, he found joy in the outdoors—whether fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, or simply relaxing on the porch during a summer rainstorm, often accompanied by country music or a Georgia Bulldogs game on the radio.
Chappie’s hands were rarely idle; he had an exceptional talent for fixing anything and generously shared that gift with others. He remained playful and adventurous well into his sixties, always eager to engage in activities with his children and grandchildren—from backyard flips to pool dives.
One of the greatest joys of his life was his annual trip to St. Simons Island, where he spent cherished time with family and friends, especially those from Claxton. These vacations were filled with laughter, beach games, and his beloved tradition of boiling peanuts.
Chappie is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Serita Chancey Tift, whose constant love and light were a source of comfort and joy throughout his life. He is also survived by his daughter, Ashley Bowers (Worth); his son, Amos Chapman Tift IV (Anna); and five grandchildren: Ellie, Emma, and Mack Bowers, and Hardy and Ford Tift. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Joyce Davis, Telie Sumner (Dale), and Homer Tift, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Though we grieve the loss of his physical presence, we take comfort in knowing his spirit lives on in all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Tifton, GA with service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Roy Renew, Roy Rankin, Mark Whitley, Matthew Chancey, Matt McDonald, Dale Sumner, Jake Sumner, Joe McSpadden, Bill Wetherington, Paul Robertson, Robby Chancey, Dwight Martin, Worth Bowers, and Courtney Chancey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Neal and Dee Ann Hammack, Pratt and Joyce Lockwood, Tim and Teresa Eason, Greg and Lisa Seamands, Donnie and Betty Brooks, John Walton and Hospice of Tift Area caregivers who provided care and support for Chappie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 889, Tifton, GA 31793, or to Hospice of Tift Area, 618 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794.