Calvin Harter Chandler Sr.

ALBEMARLE, N.C., - Lt. Col. Calvin Harter Chandler Sr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.), of Albemarle, N.C., passed away peacefully in Duke University Medical Center Saturday evening, September 6. Mr. Chandler was born June 27, 1926, in Saluda County, S.C., to the late Floyd Vernon Chandler Sr. and Mary Emma Harter Chandler.

Calvin grew up and around Calhoun County, S.C. He graduated from St. Matthew’s High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater during WWII. While in Germany with the 100th Infantry Division, he earned his combat infantryman’s badge, an award that he cherished even when his later efforts were rewarded by a Bronze Star with ‘V’ for Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and many, many more.

He returned home and, after a successful sawmill career, decided that an education was what he wanted. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in civil engineering. Mr. Chandler was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1952. Calvin then went to work for Alcoa in Badin as an engineer on several dam projects along the Yadkin River. This is where he met and married his wife for life, Lina Barbee, in 1961. It is believed that Calvin was co-owner of the first ski boat to be used on Badin Lake, the Chan-Woo. Calvin was also recalled to active service in 1961 where he served with the Air Force until 1979. His faithful service included two tours in Vietnam, being appointed the lieutenant governor of Iwo Jima, base engineer in the Azores, graduation from the Air War College, and tours in Germany, Virginia, Georgia and Colorado. His military career also incorporated a desire to volunteer as a Sunday school teacher and Boy Scout leader. Upon retirement from the service he was utilities director for the City of Albemarle for over ten years.

Mr. Chandler was married for over 47 years to the love of his life, Lina. A faithful believer of the First Baptist Church of Albemarle and a member of the Saints Sunday School Class, he volunteered at the Stanly Regional Medical Center, and was an avid RV’er traveling with miltary and racing groups.

Lt. Col. Chandler is survived by his wife, Lina, son, Calvin Chandler Jr. of Reidsville, N.C., and his wife Karen, son, Colonel David Chandler of O’Fallon, Ill., and his wife Sheri Davis Chandler, sisters, Mrs. Mary Emma Golden of Columbia, S.C., and Mrs. Dora Ann Cueto of Bensalem, Pa., grandsons, Nicholas, Wesley, and Jacob of Reidsville, and his special granddaughter, Shelby of O’Fallon, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Bus Fund and the Stanly Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 9, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. At other times, the family will meet at his home, 1002 Ridge Street, Albemarle.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Albemarle. Rev. Roger Thomas and Rev. Harold McDonald will officiate. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.