Rual Manly Chandler Jr.

Rual was born in Tampa, Florida on January 25, 1942 to Helen Maxine and Rual Manly Chandler, Sr. He is survived by his loving brother, Daniel Chandler and two sisters, Grace Moore and Catherine Ross. Daddy and Mother were loving parents who raised four children under very difficult circumstances during hard times in the rural south. At two years old, Rual got on a bus in Tampa, Florida. When the bus driver asked where he was going, Rual replied, “I goin’ hoppin’.” This was the first of many independent adventures throughout his lifetime. At a very young age, Rual contracted polio as well as was was run over by a tractor, two battles he valiantly overcame. He developed a great empathy and compassion for others from his deceased mother who would spend hours talking with her children about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. As a young boy he built five hundred chicken cages with his brother, planted forty acres of pine trees with only a wagon and a dibble, and worked in the tobacco fields to help care for his family. As a result, he never again ate chicken in his lifetime! His hometown of Branford was very sentimental to him and he spoke of it often.

During his high school years, he taught himself how to play the saxophone, was the first chair in the trumpet section, played Taps for funerals, and was Salutatorian of his high school graduating class. He loved to sing in his church choir and for many other special occasions. While in high school, he became an Eagle Scout, was a Page for a state senator, and won a state FFA public speaking contest for his age group. He remembered this speech throughout his lifetime and recited it often. An avid singer, he is known for singing the two songs played over and over again in the G&H Food Store that he worked for in Branford, Florida. One of his most important independent high school adventures was a trip to the Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA unchaperoned.

At the age of 17, he joined the National Guard. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army at age 21 and went to South Korea where he was in a Major’s role and was solely responsible for six miles of the DMZ. He was extremely proud to be given this responsibility and spoke of it often. He went to Armor school in Fort Knox, KY and flight school at Fort Rucker, AL. He volunteered for the Vietnam War where he served two combat tours, one flying reconnaissance airplanes, and one with the Phoenix Pacification Program. He was in the Army Security Agency with top secret clearance and worked in partnership with the CIA. His advice from this experience was “admit nothing, deny everything, and make counteraccusations.”

While serving in the military, he was quickly promoted to Captain. His valiant service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War shaped the man he became and the life lessons he imparted to his family, friends, and anyone he met. His legacy will never be forgotten because of the impact he has had in many lives. During his military career, he was awarded four Bronze Star Medals, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal among many other commendations, awards, and recognitions.

On October 31, 1974, his daughter, Jennifer was born to his wife Janet. She leaves behind these thoughts and notes to her daddy, her Rock, "With life’s up and downs you learn to appreciate all the good…and we have it great! No matter what I always love you, I honor you, I admire you and am so proud to call you my Daddy! Although I will never understand your life experiences, I empathise with you because if we didn’t have such emotion how could we love each other so much. You always told me these are the best times of your life and I promise to continue to share every lesson you’ve shared with me. Your incredible wisdom, passion for history and world events, expansive vocabulary, love of music, photography, and haiku…reading and writing to name a few. I will forever love you immensely my Daddy!"

He is survived by his faithful, loving, and dedicated wife of forty-one years, Mary Beth. It was love at first sight when they met at the United Church of Christ and married only three weeks later on April 14, 1979. He also leaves behind his loving daughter, Jennifer Chandler-Bradley (Tommy), step-daughter, Patti McConnell (Matt), grandchildren, Chandler Rose Marie Bradley (Papa’s namesake), Tommy Bradley III, Lucas Allen McConnell, Molly McConnell, Madelyn McConnell, and two grand dogs, Cash Bradley and Kumar McConnell.

There will be a burial with military honors and a “Celebration of Life” at a later date.