Honoring Dr. Terry Chappell: Bluffton Family Y Gym Dedication

Bluffton Family YMCA: A Legacy of Fitness and Health

Earlier this year, the Bluffton Family YMCA, located at 215 Snider Rd., commemorated the contributions of the late Dr. Terry Chappell by naming their gymnasium in his honor. A strong proponent of active living, Dr. Chappell played a significant role in the establishment of the recreation center in Bluffton, formerly known as Bluffton Family Recreation.

Dr. Chappell’s Basketball Connection at the YMCA

Dr. Chappell shared a profound connection with the sport of basketball and the YMCA gymnasium in Bluffton. His father Louis, who grew up in a financially challenged family, was able to transform his life thanks to the game. An anonymous benefactor gifted Louis a membership to the YMCA, where he began playing basketball. This sport not only turned his life around but also paved the way for him to secure a college scholarship, eventually becoming a lawyer and a judge. Learn more about this inspirational story here.

Dr. Chappell: Promoting Exercise as Medicine

Growing up in an environment where sport was highly valued, Dr. Chappell carried forward his father’s legacy when he started his medical practice in Bluffton. He firmly believed in the healing power of physical activity and consequently, incorporated athletic and exercise-based health solutions into his practice. He encouraged his patients to view exercise as a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, aiding both in preventing and treating various ailments.

Blending Athletics and Health in Unique Ways

Besides promoting an active lifestyle, Dr. Chappell himself was an avid sports enthusiast. A runner in college, he continued this habit into his later years, often showcasing his fitness prowess on the golf course. Dr. Chappell’s love for sports even extended into his professional life. He provided his basketball teammates with free joint therapy sessions at his clinic, ensuring they received top-quality care.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite his advancing age and failing health, Dr. Chappell remained dedicated to physical fitness. As he was unable to continue playing competitive basketball, he reverted to shooting hoops at the Bluffton Family YMCA, the organization he helped establish, as part of his daily exercise routine. Dr. Chappell’s unwavering commitment to fitness caught the eye of Bluffton Y instructor Jamie Nygaard. Following Dr. Chappell’s passing, Nygaard and her husband proposed the idea of naming the gymnasium after him as a tribute to his enduring dedication to health and fitness. Today, Dr. Chappell’s name proudly adorns the entrance to the gymnasium, serving as an inspiring reminder of his relentless dedication to promoting health and wellness in the community.