Ronald Maxwell Chandler, 83, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Born September 19, 1939 in Athens, GA, Ronald was the son of Clovis T. “C.T.” Chandler and Margaret Maxwell Chandler. He graduated from Athens High School in 1957 and then attended the University of Georgia. Ronald's life was dedicated to service. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves, and he served his local community for over 40 years through his career in law enforcement.
He served with the University of Georgia Police Department, as the Winder Chief of Police, and as the first Chief of Police of Athens-Clarke County. He also served on several local, state, and national law enforcement committees and was a life member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Ronald was a former member of the Lions Clubs of Athens and Winder and a Master Mason of the Mount Vernon Lodge 22. He was of the Baptist faith. Ronald’s lifelong hobbies included hunting and fishing; he enjoyed not only the sport but also the camaraderie with his friends over many years. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and his community. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Harkness, and his brother, Clovis Arthur “Artie” Chandler. Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Baird Chandler of Madison; children: Rhonda Chandler Carter (Tad) of Woodstock, Christie Chandler Cook (Garret) of Watkinsville, and Brian Maxwell Chandler of Bogart; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at Lord and Stephens, West Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John W. Gaissert officiating. The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com
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