Jack W Chandler

Chandler, Jack Wiley, lovingly referred to as ‘KEE’, age 92, of Pinson, died on August 15 and called home to heaven. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Susie Carolina Hicks and William Marion Chandler, eight brothers, five sisters, Son-in-law Benjamin ‘BENNY’ Stewart Smith,Sr., daughter, Sandra Chandler Majors, and Brother-in-law, Dr. Jesse Earl Posey. He is survived by his lifelong love of 73 years, Mary Elizabeth ‘BETTYE’ Posey, daughter, Candace ‘CANDY’ Smith Landrum (TERRY), grandchildren Joshua Chandler Smith (KRISTEN), Benjamin Stewart Smith, Jr.(MEREDITH), Great granddaughter Chandler Jayne Smith, Chris Majors, Elizabeth Majors, Nephews Darryl Clark Posey, Johnny Chandler, Nieces Trini Posey Cobb and Cheryl Chandler.

As a Veteran of WWII, he served with the 95th Chemical Warfare Battalion under Gen. George Patton of the 3rd Army in Germany. Throughout his life, as a member of the greatest generation, his love for God and country never wavered. He is registered in the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor at the American Village. From 1946-1950, he played Pro Baseball in the ‘Yankee’ minor leagues. Following this, he played for and sponsored ‘Pinson Plumbing Company’ in the Birmingham Amateur Baseball Federation, remembered as BABF, from 1952-1976. He was also inducted in the BABF Hall of Fame.

Jack was owner/operator of Pinson Plumbing Company in Birmingham and Huntsville for thirty-eight years. During this time, his belief in hard-work, showing up on time with a haircut, belt and shirt tucked in and ‘earning’ your pay truly did provide employment and career opportunities for many deserving young men. Never, did he not take the time to encourage and give support to those interested in wanting to be an Apprentice, Journeyman or Master Plumber.

Mr. Chandler’s commitment to public service was recognized in many forms, serving as a member of the Pinson Civitan Club for fifty-four years, he advanced to be elected Governor of the Alabama Central District, and Vice President of the Civitan International from 1978-1986. In addition, he supported the Pinson Valley High School Athletic Program for thirty years through his scholarship foundation for deserving young academic and athletic students. His love of baseball always found him at a local little league game and eventually the ‘challenge of coaching 6 & 7 year olds, where everyone got a $2.00 bill after the game ‘just because’. He was a charter member of Grayson Valley Country Club, a member of The Club, Cumberland Lake Country Club, The Birmingham Builders Association, and Pinson Valley Association. During his seventy-seven years as a resident of Pinson, his wisdom and vision made a huge impact on the lives he touched and the Pinson community. During their ‘beach time’ living in Panama City, Jack also served on the Charter Home Builders Association, President of the Board of Directors three separate times.

Finally, most of all, he was a Godly man, who so loved the the Lord and church. His years of service as Deacon, Sunday School Director, treasurer and numerous services in the name of Christ, stemmed through membership at Pinson Baptist, Roebuck Park Baptist and Huffman Baptist.

‘The Notebook’ could very accurately describe the love and life of Jack and his precious, classy, southern Bettye. In their senior years they enjoyed over three decades of beach life, travels throughout the world, grandparenting, always making time to ‘stop and smell the roses’. To his joy he would delighted to be remembered as “the Candy man and ‘the Pen man”.

The family wished to convey a tremendous ‘Thank You’ to the staff of Covenant Place and Covenant Woods for their care and precious kindnesses shown these past two years. Over time they become family with their tender words and compassion for your loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huffman Baptist Church, Hughes Memorial Baptist Church, or the charity of preference.

Ridouts Brown of Trussville will be directing the service on Thursday morning August 20, with viewing from 9:30-11:00am, and service to follow at 11:00am. Burial will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.