Robert Louis Chandler Sr.

February 12, 1937 - January 2, 2021

Robert Louis Chandler, Sr., 83, died peacefully in his sleep on January 2, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Robert was born February 12, 1937 in Corinth, Mississippi to Cicero and Inez (Shipp) Chandler. When he was only 13-years-old, Robert began operating a crane and wrecking ball for the family business, Chandler Wrecking Company (now Chandler Demolition Company), in Memphis, TN. He attended Christian Brothers College where he studied accounting. Over the next 50 years, Robert was involved in all aspects of the family business, including bookkeeping, demolition, managing crews, and mentoring the next two generations of the Chandler family business. Robert demolished several well-known buildings across the Mid-South. Even after retirement, he was often seen around the job site or office imparting his wisdom. Above all, Robert was devoted to his family. He married Marilyn Diane Mills on October 4, 1958. Robert and Marilyn had four children: 2 girls and 2 boys, for whom he provided a loving home and good education. His children and grandchildren remember him as an honest, strong, kind, and compassionate family man with an unwavering sense of loyalty. He lived a life committed to personal integrity which he demonstrated daily through hard work and sacrifice. He was an honorable man who put his family’s needs before his own. He displayed his love for Marilyn over the nearly 55 years of their marriage which culminated in his role as her sole caretaker for several years until she passed. He saw his wedding vows as his lifetime promise and wore his wedding band until his death. Robert was fascinated with genealogy and documented his family back to even before the first century. He was passionate about helping his family succeed and encouraged them in all their pursuits. As a young man, he enjoyed bowling, coaching his sons’ baseball and basketball teams, and teaching his daughter to golf. Robert was a Christian and attended Cross Roads Baptist Church in Westmoreland, TN. Mr. Chandler is survived by his 2 sons: Robert Louis Chandler, Jr. (Tamara), of Westmoreland, TN and Christopher Mills Chandler (Marty), of Kingsport, TN; seven grandchildren: Brandon (Magan), Bryce, Paige, Ryan, Michael, Blake, and Elizabeth; one great-grandson: Bexar; and by his sister, Frances. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn, his daughters Pamela and Dawn; and his siblings, Agnes, Ernie, Walter, James, and Lou. Visitation and funeral are scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN. Visitation is 12-2pm. Funeral service will begin at 2pm, with Pastor Jay McDonald officiating. Pallbearers include Brandon, Bryce, Blake, and Ricky Chandler; and Dan and Micheal Bulone. Honorary pallbearers are Elizabeth, Magan, David, and Tim Chandler, Paige Taylor, and Bobby and Donnie Caylor. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Robert's life. Service will also be available remotely online. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The service will can be viewed by clicking the link below: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/44898 The Chandler family would like to thank everyone for their love and support.