Chandler James Harrell

Chandler James Harrell, age 30, passed away on April 5, 2025. He was born on November 3, 1994 to father H. Steve Harrell Sr. and mother, Rebecca Chandler in Memphis, Tennessee. Shortly after his birth, the Harrell family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Chandler was raised.

Chandler was deeply loved by many friends and maintained close relationships with long-time buddies dating back to grade school. He was introduced to sports at a young age and remained actively involved in them throughout his life. From soccer and baseball to basketball and golf, Chandler’s love for athletics was wide-ranging.

Many of his fondest memories involved game nights with his father, where he learned the rules, strategies, and plays as they bonded over the joy of competitive sports. Chandler and his father loved to golf together on a weekly basis, and enjoyed watching games at home or at the stadium. These moments became a meaningful thread that ran throughout Chandler’s entire life. His bedroom was a shrine to his passions, filled with wall murals of ballplayers and many of his own trophies. He proudly displayed autographed memorabilia including signed helmets, framed jerseys, footballs, baseballs, and photographs of professional athletes that he admired and some he had personally met.

In addition to his athleticism, Chandler was a remarkably creative soul, inspired by the nurturing presence of his mother. She fostered his imagination and encouraged him to lean into his gifts from childhood. Chandler always soaked in her creativity, from exciting crafts and science experiments at home to out-of-this-world birthday parties and events. Between his father and mother, Chandler was a charming combination of professionalism, artistry, and entrepreneurship.

Shortly after graduating at Milton High School, Chandler launched his music career as “Chan J”, debuting his first single “Holy Water” followed by his first album “Complex Dreams”. His music quickly accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams across platforms, building a fan base both online and in Atlanta. Overall, Chandler released 6 albums, numerous singles, and even went on to launch his record label “Energy 7”. Music was not only Chandler’s greatest passion but also his creative outlet of choice. He was constantly writing and recording new pieces, using his poetic gifts to express himself to others.

Chandler had a larger-than-life personality and an infectious smile that could light up any room. He was endlessly charismatic and he deeply adored his daughter, Blakely Nicole Papaik-Harrell (11), and his son, Channing Newell Fox-Harrell (7). He was a playful and loving father who actively participated in their lives-from soccer, cheerleading and lacrosse events to family beach vacations. Chandler also enjoyed expressing his love for his children through music, writing them both songs over the years.

Chandler is survived by both of his children, Blakley and Channing; his parents, H. Steve Harrell Sr. (Juhye Kim Harrell) and Rebecca Chandler; sisters, Justine Harrell Daniels (Tahshon Daniels) and Shemantha Harrell Smith (Tony Smith Sr.); brother, H. Steve Harrell II (Ileana Harrell); and grandmother Alice Chandler. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: James Henry Harrell Sr., Lula Bell Harrell, Lee Maxwell Chandler, and Bertha Lois Jordan-Chandler; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday April 19, 2025 at Westview Abbey Mausoleum & Chapel (1680 Westview Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30310) The service will be led by ministers in the Harrell family, and is open to all who knew and loved Chandler. Burial will immediately follow the service.