Born September 17, 1952, in Winnfield, Louisiana, Tommy Richard Chandler—a man who lived a life of loving kindness toward others—was a lifelong resident of Winn Parish. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bronwyn Daye Chandler, and his granddaughter, Chandler Daye Delaughter. He was also preceded in death by his parents, J.A. and Geneva Moffett Chandler, and by his brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Charlotte Higgs Chandler.

He is survived by his wife, Fonda Boyett Chandler, with whom he would have celebrated their fifty-year anniversary on August 23, 2025; his two sons and their wives, Drs. Jennifer and West Chandler of Marshall, Texas, and Cade and Melanie Chandler of Choudrant, Louisiana; adored grandchildren, Crosston and Charlotte Cummings, and Jacob and Harper Chandler; his brothers, Phillip Chandler, and Rayford Chandler and his wife, Sherry. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law: Samuel and Mitzi Boyett Smith, Jill Quinn Boyett, Michael and Kayla Boyett Nelson, and Von and Kim Boyett; Mary Lou Green, his precious "Maw," whom he considered his second mother; and his nieces and nephews, who adored their "Uncle Tommy."

When Tommy began his fight with cancer, he sent a message to his pastor that he was "on a journey with the Lord." He ended his earthly journey on July 27, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, with his loving wife and beloved sons by his side. He was a longtime devoted member of Gloryway Church in Dodson, Louisiana, and he cherished his church family. He had a true servant's heart and demonstrated it in many ways, including serving as the voluntary caretaker of the church grounds for many years—until he became too ill to do so. He loved children and was known as the "child whisperer" because the children in his church and family adored him—running to greet him with a hug, looking for treats in his pockets, or simply enjoying his sweet smile and the way he made them feel special.

Tommy's childhood home was close to the Dugdemona River, where he and his brothers spent their early years playing on its banks and learning to hunt and fish. He never lost his love for the outdoors or for "the creek" and spent his working career as a forester. He passed along his love of fishing and outdoor sports to his sons and his nephews, who are left to treasure the memories of their many escapades with him.

Those who had the opportunity to know him were blessed by his compassionate heart and his sense of humor. Tommy Chandler was a child of God and a wonderful man.

Funeral services for Mr. Chandler will be held Friday, July 30, 2025, at Gloryway Church, 1194 Highway 505, Dodson, LA 71422, with Reverends Michael McBride, Robert Leach, and Blake Boyett officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Pallbearers: Jarrett Chandler, Jordan Chandler, Josh Delaughter, Jess Michael Nelson, Zack Nelson, Cole Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are: Michael Nelson, Brian Griffin, Milton Green, Von Boyett, Albert Shavers, Samuel L. Smith, Mike Feirn.