Gerald Dennis Chandler

Gerald Dennis Chandler

August 16, 2025

ERWIN - Gerald Dennis Chandler, age 95, of Erwin, Clear Branch Community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his residence while he was surrounded by his family. He is a son of the late Jehu Carmon Chandler and Rebecca Susan Farnor Chandler. Gerald lived most of his life in Erwin.

Gerald served his country honorably in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy Gerald was awarded a Navy Occupation Service Medal with European Clasp. He worked as a Welder and Pipefitter for Local 538 Plumbers/Pipefitters for over thirty years before his retirement in 1989.

Gerald was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. He was a Baptist preacher having served three churches over twenty years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Centennial Lodge #491 F&M.

Gerald enjoyed raising cattle, sheep, farming, and woodworking. He liked to go fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence Chandler and one sister, Alma Becker.

Gerald leaves behind to treasure his memory, his loving and devoted wife of seventy-three years, Inez Deaton Chandler; three children: Gail Tilson (Wayne) of Erwin, Geraldine "Geri" Rice (Coy) of Lebanon, and Jeff Chandler (Lupe) of Erwin; six grandchildren: Amy Williamson (Adam), Amanda Widrig (Michael), Adam Tilson, Matthew Rice (Shelby Chaplin), Gabriel Chandler (Hannah), and Jacob Chandler; one brother, Dale Chandler of Cary, NC; one sister, Ruth Gonce of Greeneville; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The Chandler family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the funeral home. Gerald's funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Gene Deaton officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Centennial Lodge #491 F&M. Music will be provided by David Foster, Daniel Foster, and Tommy Foster. Interment will follow in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Clear Branch Community. Military Honors will be rendered. Active pallbearers will be Gabriel Chandler, Jacob Chandler, Mark Peterson, Michael Widrig, Matthew Rice, and Adam Williamson.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Chandler family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Chandler family. (423) 743-1380