ROBERT LEE CHANDLER
ROBERT LEE CHANDLER began his journey to be with our heavenly father on Thursday, October 5, 2017 after a battle with Diabetes and other health complications.
Robert, affectionately called “Robert Lee” the son of Carrie Chandler Tyler and Herman Hall, was born on July 25, 1929, and raised in Onancock, Virginia. Upon the untimely death of Robert’s mother, while a baby, he was adopted and raised by his Uncle Harry and Aunt Olivia Chandler. He grew up with a large extended family, along with his eleven siblings who preceded him in death. Educated in the Accomack County School System, Robert Lee graduated from Mary N. Smith High School in 1947.
While at Mary N. Smith High School, Robert Lee met and dated the love of his life, Margaret Nock. They were later married in 1949 and from this union one son, Robert Clinton, also known as “Chubby” was born. Robert Lee and Margaret devoted their lives to Chubby ensuring that their son had the best ever childhood. Whether it was Chubby engaging in school activities such as sports and playing the guitar, the entire family would always be together. In Robert Lee’s later years, he enjoyed sharing his pride in his grandchildren, Robby and Jennifer and reminiscing of how he would enjoy family outings, fishing on his boat and entertaining family and friends at his home.
As a young man, Robert Lee began his career as a Martinizing Dry Cleaner with Matthews Cleaners in Tasley, Virginia. He was well known as the public face of the Cleaners when he performed pickup, repair, cleaning and delivery services throughout the Accomack County area. After leaving the company, he started his carpentry business, his passion and dream realized. Robert Lee’s love for home improvement enabled him to travel throughout Maryland and Virginia to share his expert carpentry craft.
After the passing of Margaret in April 1982, Robert Lee later married Mary Sally Selby of Onancock in September, 1987. They enjoyed many years together until the passing of Sally in July, 2000. A devout Christian and devoted member of Bethel AME Church in Onancock, Robert Lee was a very outgoing family man who enjoyed singing and serving faithfully on many organizations within the church. He was once president of the New Hallelujah Gospel Singers.
No matter what, he always gave honor to God and put Him first in his life. At any time you could hear Robert Lee openly giving testimony of his love for the Lord and often testifying in song or word of his belief, loyalty and commitment to Him.
Robert Lee was truly loved by his son, grandchildren, family, his church family, and friends. He leaves to cherish fond memories of his life, his son, Robert C. Chandler; his daughter-in-law, Evelyn Chandler; his grandchildren: Jennifer Chandler and Robby Chandler; his step-grandchildren: Lashann Selby, Lisa Thornton, Ava Cox, Rodney Simpkins, Brehon Hall; his niece Linda Ames; her husband, George Ames; special friend: Janie Sue Bailey; two sisters-in-law: Mildred Green and Missouri Colbourn and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
