Gary D. Chandler, 63 of Plainview, formerly of Luttrell, passed away suddenly early Friday morning. He was a member of Cedar Ford Baptist Church in Luttrell. Growing up with a single mother, him and his sister, Marsha, grew up “poor” by today’s standards. His mom and his other family members made sure he had a great childhood. Gary was proud to be from the “old” Luttrell, and often referred it being similar to Mayberry from his favorite TV show, “The Andy Griffith Show”. He was a teacher in the Union County School System for 41 years. Gary loved the kids here, and always had a soft spot for the students that he taught. For most of his 41 years teaching, he also coached basketball, baseball, and golf at HMHS, UCHS, LES, and HMMS. His favorite of these years being the ones he coached with his daughter, Chelsea, and his son, Christian. His love for sports has been influence by many people throughout his life. Buddy Baker, Hall Skeen, Jim Meltabarger, Terry Johnson, Dewey DeVault, Dwain Burke, Jim Palazzola, and Dan Burns, all played a part in shaping his love for sports that existed his entire life. He served the City of Plainview as Mayor for 14 years. Out of all of his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. His wife, his two kids, his two grandchildren, Kennedy Grace and Elsie Ruth.

He is preceded in death by is parents, Kaye Courtney and Carness Chandler, and father-in-law, John D. Dykes. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lisa Dykes Chandler; his two children, Chelsea Simpson (Brandon), and John Christian Chandler (Madeline); precious grandchildren, Kennedy Grace Simpson and Elsie Ruth Chandler; sister, Marsha Hyder (Greg); mother-in-law, Phyllis Dykes; brother-in-law, Mark Dykes (Melanie); step father, James Courtney; nieces and nephews, Kayla Courtney (Michael), Torey Hyder, Ashley White (Judah), and Cody Dykes (Caitlynn); a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, family members and friends; friend/co-worker that was as close as family, Leah Lewis; and special cousin, Lori Corum Beeler.

The family will receive friends 2:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The service to follow with Reverend Eddie Muncey and Reverend Cody Dykes officiating. Family and friends will meet 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2024 to proceed to Shoffner Cemetery in Sharps Chapel for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. Serving as pallbearers, Scott Skeen, Stewart Skeen, John Edds, Colby Edds, Chase Buckner, Cody Dykes, Michael Courtney, Jeff Collins, Mark Dykes and Shane Brown; honorary pallbearers, Jody Wright, Andy Wells, Gordon Bright, Pete Stout, Troy Ray, Brent Buckner, Raymond Buckner, Jeff Hubbs and Randy Arwine. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Cedar Ford Baptist Church, P. O. Box 177, Luttrell, TN 37779. Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Gary Chandler. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net