NEWPORT NEWS — The sun rose on Ronnie André Chandler Sr., 59, on Dec. 7, 1961, and sadly set Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. He was born in Hampton to Thelma Rosser Taylor and the late Arlington Thomas Chandler Jr.
“Raulo,” as he was affectionately known by his siblings, was raised in Newport News and attended Newport News Public Schools and the American School of Isfahan in Iran. During his time there, he dedicated his life to the Lord at the age of 15. He graduated from Denbigh High School and continued his education at Norfolk State University for two years.
Ronnie enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years, serving in Nuremberg, Germany. He later owned and operated a cleaning service business and was later employed by Diamond Resorts, where he was employed at the time of his death.
Ronnie was a free spirit who enjoyed fishing, reading and cooking jerk chicken. He was also a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He really loved and was excited about his only grandchild, two-year-old Andre. He always had an easy smile and jokes to tell; the light of the family that will forever shine brightly.
Ronnie was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Marvin L. Taylor.
His memories will forever be cherished by his mother, Thelma J. Taylor of Newport News; son, Ronnie Andre Chandler Jr. (Arin) of Crofton, Maryland; grandson, Andre Conrad Chandler; siblings, Wanda Rogers and Kathy Savage, both of Newport News, and Arlington T. Chandler III and Donna Ali (Rasheed), both of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces great-nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. Facebook livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Mr. Chandler may be viewed beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
