Haulage boss Bill Chapman had his dying wish honoured when his coffin arrived at his funeral- on the back of a HGV lorry.
Bill Chapman's coffin was carried on the back of one of his lorries. Image- SWNS.The popular 79-year-old war veteran told his family before he died he wanted to have one last journey on the back of one of his HGVs. Draped in the Union Jack with his army cap and medals placed on top - Bill's coffin inscribed with 'There goes W. R. Chapman' travelled from the firm he set up 40 years ago to Mintlyn Crematorium in King's Lynn, Norfolk.
The lorry, driven by his grandson Benjamin, 25, headed the funeral cortege which poignantly went on a final tour of Bill's business W. R. Chapman & Son Ltd before heading on to the crematorium.
Bill set up the haulage company 40 years ago. Image- SWNS.More than 400 mourners attended the service - where a guard of honour was provided by representatives of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, the Durham Light Infantry and the Royal British Legion.Speaking at the funeral, his son Bernie, 57, said his father had a reputation for "knowing his job and keeping to his word."
One family friend said: "Bill spent most of his life in or around trucks - he absolutely loved them and this was a fitting way for him to travel to his grave. He is going to be sadly missed - Bill had a real big personality."
Bill died on May 20 after suffering a heart attack at Holmwood House care home in Swaffham, Norfolk. His wife of 60 years, Daisy May, 80, died just 12 weeks before him.
The couple's son Bernie and grandsons will continue to run the family business.
