Richard S. Chumley, a longtime baseball coach who helped establish the Northwest Whitfield High School Bruins baseball program, has died at the age of 78.
Chumley, known to many as Coach Chumley, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Hamilton Medical Center, according to his obituary published by Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes.
His death marks the loss of a familiar figure in the Dalton area’s high school baseball community. As the first head baseball coach at Northwest Whitfield High School, Chumley spent 27 seasons building the Bruins program and working with generations of players.
Richard Chumley Built a Lasting Baseball Legacy
Chumley led the Northwest Bruins baseball team with pride, discipline and dedication throughout his coaching career. Over 27 seasons, he compiled a record of 368 wins and 295 losses before retiring in 2002.
His achievements earned recognition from the local sports community. He was named Dalton Daily Citizen Coach of the Year several times, reflecting his contributions to high school baseball in the region.
In January 2008, Chumley received another significant honor when he was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club’s Hall of Fame during its annual ceremony.
His years on the field made him an important part of Northwest Whitfield’s athletic history. Former players were also recognized in his funeral arrangements, with any former Northwest baseball player who played under Chumley invited to serve as an honorary pallbearer.
The inclusion reflects the connection between the coach and the players who spent time in his program.
Chumley was preceded in death by his father, D.O. Chumley. He is survived by his wife, Ann Chumley, of Cohutta, and his children, Ashley Chumley of Chattanooga, Richard A. Chumley of Dalton, and Ricky Chumley and his wife, Christi, of Varnell.
His surviving family also includes his mother, Sue Chumley, four brothers, David, Fred, Lloyd and Steve Chumley, their families, and five grandchildren: Steele, Chesney, Whitley, Jacob and Eli Chumley.
Visitation and Funeral Services Planned in Dalton
Family members and friends will have an opportunity to pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, October 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home, located at 2801 Cleveland Road in Dalton.
Additional visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 16, from 11 a.m. until the start of the funeral service.
The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at Grove Level Baptist Church, located at 2802 Cleveland Highway in Dalton. Fred Chumley will officiate.
Burial will follow at United Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted. Those wishing to honor Chumley’s memory may also make memorial contributions to the Northwest Dugout Club at 1651 Tunnel Hill Varnell Road in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
The arrangements are being handled by Julian Peeples Funeral Homes in Dalton. Messages of comfort for the family can be sent through the funeral home’s website.
