07/16/2026
Cornelius Monroe "C.M." Chandler, Jr., 91, of Hixson, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Soddy Daisy. C.M. served his country in the U.S. Army as a musician in the U.S. Continental Army Band, Ft. Monroe, Va. He received his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University, where he was drum major of the marching band, and his Master's degree from Tennessee Tech University. C.M. was a band director at Unicoi County High School, Elizabethton High School, Soddy Daisy High School, and Chattanooga Central High School, and was honored as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association. C.M. enjoyed his volunteer committee work with scouting. As a Boy Scout, he received the Life Saving Honor Medal at age 15. He was a loving husband and father, and he adored his grandsons.
C.M. was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius Monroe Chandler, Sr., and Bennie Mae Williamson Harris; brothers, David B. Chandler and Donald Lee Chandler; and wife, Clara Jean Dutton Chandler.
Survivors are his children, Robert M. Chandler (Sherri) and Julia Ann Chandler Dean (Kenneth); grandsons, Joseph Chandler, David Chandler, Alexander Dean, Connor Dean (Maggie); step-brother, Mike Templeton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives.
Visitation will be on Saturday, July 25, from 12-2 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be on Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow privately with family at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Soddy-Daisy at www.fbcsoddydaisy/give.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.
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