John Chandler

John William Chandler MOUNDVILLE John William Chandler, age 86, of Moundville, died March 21, 2012, at Hospice of West Alabama. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. today at Oak Hill Cemetery with Bro. Edwin King and Rev. Reba Wiley officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl Chandler Sr. and Maude Davis Chandler; and his brothers, Thomas Earl Chandler Jr., twin brother James Chandler, and Ray H. Chandler. Survivors include his wife, Ella R. Chandler; daughters, Glenda Gault (Andy), Georgette Neill (Chris), Nona Woods, Brenda Abernathy, Debbie Bradshaw, and Janet Smelley (Andy); son, John F. Bradshaw (Bonnie); 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. John was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Moundville, Alabama. Already having an older brother, Thomas Jr., John brought along with him a twin brother, James. He often remarked of how not even Mama Maude could tell them apart. Later to come was baby brother Ray. John always enjoyed talking of all the pranks and the experiences of being a twin. He was a member of Moundville United Methodist Church, graduated from Hale County High School, and entered the U.S. Army in World War II where he served his country honorably and lost his brother, Thomas Jr. John had two daughters, Glenda and Georgette, whom he loved greatly. In later years when he married Ella, he lovingly accepted four daughters and a son. He was a loving husband and always made time for family and Alabama Football! He was a hard worker and provider. John worked many years and retired from Chevron Oil as a truck driver and then went on to work faithfully for Chandler Milling until the age of 86. John was very much loved by family and special friends. He once said, "Never miss an opportunity to make others happy - even if you have to leave them alone to do so!" His fun-loving ways and kind, gentle heart will leave us all with many fond memories. Pallbearers will be Gregory Gault, Geofery Gault, Tommy Chandler, Johnathan Neill, Andy Smelley, Joel Smelley, Kevin Woods, and Michael Wyatt. Honorary pallbearers are many friends of the Moundville community, Dr. Larry Skelton and staff, DCH Regional Medical Center doctors and staff, all his many coworkers, Hospice of West Alabama, and Hale County High School classes of 1942 and 1947. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama or Moundville United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Published in Tuscaloosa News on March 23, 2012