Ernie Chandler

Andrew Chandler known as "Coach" to many people, Ernie Chandler lost his 4 year battle with brain cancer on March 20. Born in Orlando to Andrew and Eleanore Chandler on January 8, 1946, Ernie was proud to say he was a true Floridian. After serving in the United States Marine Corp, he attended St. Petersburg Junior College, received his bachelor's degree in 1970 from the University of Central Florida and followed that with a master's degree from Rollins College in 1975. Ernie taught social studies at Evans High School for 35 years and served as a coach for many sports, most notably in football, soccer, softball, golf, and bowling. He also served as the athletic director for many years before his retirement from Orange County Public Schools in 2006. Ernie also received a retirement from Disney after 25 years of part time work. His loyalty to UCF and Evans High School permeated everything he did. He loved seeing former students and was virtually unable to go anywhere without hearing, "Coach, How are you?" including as far away as Fairbanks, Alaska. In 2007, Ernie was elected to the Florida High School Coaches Hall of Fame for his outstanding coaching record in soccer at Evans High School. He coached two state championship teams in soccer and still holds the record for the longest high school soccer game. (23 overtimes, 4 hours and 45 minutes) He was the first defensive back coach for the University of Central Florida football team in their inaugural 1979 season and remained a faithful season ticket supporter, never missing a home football game. In 2014, he and his wife, Evelyn, traveled to Dublin, Ireland for the UCF/Penn State game as well as to the game in Hawaii. Ernie was an avid golfer achieving 5 "hole in ones" in his lifetime and played memorable courses all over the world including St Andrews in Scotland. Ernie is survived by his wife, Evelyn, as well as two children, Ernie, Jr, Orlando and Suzyn Chandler in Kingston, Tennessee and two grandchildren, Lindsey and Delaney, both of Orlando. He is also survived by two brothers, Dick Jones, Thomasville, Georgia and Glenn Chandler. Malmo, Nebraska and one sister, Jeannie Porter of Summerville, SC. Friends and family will be received at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden on Wednesday, March 25 from 5-8 PM. Services will be held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave, Ocoee, FL at 10 AM Thursday with cremation to follow. Donations may be made in his honor to TR Legends Fund in care of Debby Kornegay 394 Stone Bridge Road Birmingham AL 35210. Checks should be made out to Region 8. -

Arrangements under the direction of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, WINTER GARDEN, FL.