Jerry Reeves Chandler

Born on November 12, 1934, at home in the Jacobia community near Greenville, Texas, Jerry was the son of Theo Alvin Chandler and Mamie Irene Reneau Chandler. He had one brother Alvin Chandler, Sr. He grew up primarily on the family farm in Quinlan, Texas, where he learned the values, discipline, and work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

Jerry graduated near the top of his class from Quinlan High School in 1952 and went on to earn a degree in Education from East Texas State University in 1956 with an emphasis in Biology. During his college years, he was active as a cheerleader and a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Although he initially planned to pursue a career as a veterinarian, while in college he discovered a deep passion for education—one that would become his lifelong calling.

He began his career as a teacher in Amarillo, TX and later earned a master’s degree from East Texas University. In his quest for knowledge, he soon began his post graduate work at various universities including East Texas, SMU and from his beloved University of Texas at Austin. Jerry also completed Army Boot Camp and served his country with pride as a member of the National Guard.

Jerry’s devotion to education eventually led him to Sunset High School in Dallas, where he taught Biology and met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Cozby. They were married on April 15, 1960, beginning a partnership that would span for 66 years. He later served as a counselor at Lake Highlands High School, where he guided and encouraged thousands of students over more than two decades. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he dedicated himself to helping young people recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. He firmly believed that education was the great equalizer, and he devoted his life to ensuring that every student had the opportunity to succeed. He concluded his distinguished career in the Highland Park School District, leaving a lasting legacy on countless young lives.

Jerry’s love of learning extended far beyond the classroom. A voracious reader and enthusiastic traveler, he turned every family road trip into an adventure—complete with historical stops, museums, monuments, and lessons along the way. As his children grew older, he and Elizabeth continued exploring the world together, taking more than 30 cruises and venturing out on numerous trips across the country and abroad. Jerry delighted in experiencing the places he had read about and in meeting people from all walks of life. In addition, Jerry and Elizabeth also supported the Arts as Sponsors of the 500 Club and as members of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth for well over a decade after they retired.

For more than sixty-seven years, Jerry was a devoted member of Highland Park United Methodist Church. He worshiped faithfully, taught Sunday School, and even served as a deacon over the years. His faith was the foundation of his life, shaping his kindness, gentleness, and unwavering compassion for others.

Among his greatest joys were his granddaughters, Victoria Elizabeth Chandler and Olivia Grace Chandler. Jerry never missed an event in their lives unless prevented by illness, and he greeted them unfailingly with a smile, a hug, and words of encouragement. Even in his final days, their presence brought him joy, and he never let them leave without saying, “I love you.”

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of more than 66 years, Mary Elizabeth Chandler; his sons, Brian Chandler and Scott Chandler; his son‑in‑law, Brian Teel; his daughter‑in‑law, Jennifer Chandler; his granddaughters, Victoria Chandler and Olivia Chandler, along with Victoria’s fiancé, Cooper Berg; his nephew, Alvin Chandler; his nieces, Gayle Barron and Barbara Wilson; and their families, all of whom he loved and adored.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Arbor Room in the Magnolia Place Building at Highland Springs Senior Living, 8050 Frankford Road, Dallas, Texas. Instructions for parking will be provided at the Security gate at the entrance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Jerry’s honor.

Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to others, and the profound influence he had on his family and the many students and lives he touched