THOMASVILLE, GA. — Curtis B. Chapman, a retired executive with Flowers Foods, Inc. whose career spanned more than four decades, died Jan. 23. He was 83 years old.

Curtis Chapman, Flowers Foods
Curtis B. Chapman

Mr. Chapman joined Flowers in 1957, working in various sales management positions at the company’s bakeries in Thomasville, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Opelika, Ala. In 1967 he was named vice-president of sales for the Thomasville bakery, and he was promoted to president of the bakery in 1973. In 1977 he was named regional vice-president for Flowers Industries. He continued to serve in leadership roles at the company until his retirement in 1999.

“During his career, Curtis identified, guided and mentored many young team members who went on to serve in leadership roles at Flowers Foods,” the company said. “While his contributions were many, his ability to nurture talent could be considered his greatest legacy.”

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; a son, Curtis, Tallahassee, Fla.; a daughter, Lori Chapman Obenauf (Glynn), Lizella, Ga.; a daughter-in-law, Patti Pinn Chapman, Greensboro, N.C.; a step-son, Gaston Loomis (Mary Kate), West Chester, Pa.; a step-daughter, Elizabeth Dabbs Loomis Curley (John), Jackson, Miss.; and many grandchildren.