Country Songwriter Don Chapel, Ex-Husband of Tammy Wynette, Dies

Songwriter Don Chapel lost his battle with heart failure and pneumonia on Sunday (Dec. 6). Born Lloyd Franklin Amburgey, Chapel is known for writing songs recorded by George Jones, Conway Twitty, Ernest Tubb, Lynn Anderson and his wife of one year, Tammy Wynette.

Chapel's son, Robbie Amburgey, revealed the sad news on Facebook earlier this week.

"At approximately 4:10 this afternoon, my father Lloyd Franklin Amburgey (professionally known as Don Chapel) left this earth after a long battle with heart failure and pneumonia," Chapel's son writes. "He was surrounded by those who loved him. His impact left on this world will not be forgotten. Thanks to all of those who have been concerned with his health these past few months."

Chapel and Wynette were married in 1967 and spent much of that year on the road together. Wynette recorded several of Chapel's songs, including "All Night Long," "Joey" and "My Heart Is Soakin' Wet." Chapel also wrote George Jones' "When the Grass Grows Over Me." In addition to penning songs for other artists, Chapel was a singer and frequently toured with his daughter, Donna Chapel, who got her start as a backup singer for Wynette.

Arrangements for Chapel are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11 at Madison Funeral Home in Madison, Tenn. Public visitation will be from 5-6:45PM, and the funeral service begins at 7PM.

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