Larry Chandler

Larry Chandler – A Life Well Lived Larry Lorenzo Chandler, 78, of Plant City, Florida – dedicated Christian, and beloved husband, father, father-in-law, Papa, son, veteran, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, neighbor and employee – passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on August 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Although he left this earth too soon and hearts are broken, his vibrant, giving, loving, joyful and humorous presence will remain in everyone’s hearts and souls forever. Larry was the youngest of eight children, born on October 14, 1943, in Donalsonville, Georgia, to Coy Lee Chandler and Glennie Mae Temples. He is survived by his loving sister, Evelyn Acorn, of Bartow, Florida. When Larry was a young boy, the family moved to Bartow, where he grew up. He had a vibrant personality from an early age. Larry loved sports, particularly playing baseball. Boy Scouts also was an important part of his youth, and he passed along his love for the Scouts to his children and grandchildren. His grandson, Lincoln, recently made Eagle Scout, which would have made Larry ecstatic. Family and faith were everything to Larry. He was an adoring and dedicated husband to Cheri for 30 years. They did everything together. They loved being with family, exploring old Florida towns, going to the beach and also enjoyed motorcycle adventures in their younger years. Larry had a romantic heart and constantly reminded Cheri how much he loved her. He was an amazing father to Cory and Michelle (Chandler-Raley). A great teacher of life, he taught them to be free, adventurous spirits and not to sweat the small stuff. He was always there to support his children and was their biggest cheerleader. Larry was a loving father-in-law who shared a special relationship with Monica Chandler (Cory) and Lindsay Raley (Michelle), considering them his children, as well. The role he ultimately loved the most was being a proud Papa to Georgia, Lincoln, Alex, Sam and Mei. He never missed any grandparents’ breakfasts when the kids were growing up and was their biggest fan at everything in which they participated. Larry had a special relationship with each grandchild that was so heartwarming. He loved going to Georgia’s and Lincoln’s concerts and watching them march at football games. He was so proud of Mei’s line of work, shared an enthusiasm for vintage cars with Alex and loved hearing about Sam’s newest culinary adventure. Larry was Uncle Pal to many nieces and nephews and Poppi to Kenai and Mani. He never left a conversation without saying, “I love you.” Having enlisted in the US Army at age 18, Larry served during the Vietnam War. He had a deep love for the USA and an even deeper love and respect for American veterans. On his calendar, he drew a flag with the words “Don’t Forget” for each military holiday. He passed along to his family his love and respect for our country, our freedoms and those who fight to preserve all that we have. Larry moved to Plant City 51 years ago when he began working at TECO where he spent his entire career as a loyal employee, even returning in his later years as a consultant. He was a Journeyman and worked with the Traveling Maintenance Crew (TMC), who became his brothers in life. Some of his closest relationships were with these TECO colleagues and their families. There was a special atmosphere during his tenure at TECO. All the families became close and watched their dads play softball in the TECO leagues. Cory and Michelle have fond memories of these games while growing up and becoming friends with other TECO kids. Larry had so many talents, but one of the biggest was that he could fix anything! You could call him, and he could tell you how to fix it and what part to get. His newest love was restoring old tractors with his friend George. Additionally, he had finally perfected his own turkey frying contraption. Lorenzo, as many liked to call him, lived life wide open with a great sense of humor. He was always “all in” and taught that same approach to life to his kids and grandkids. Cory and Michelle have so many memories of weekend adventures to the beach, fishing and crabbing or fixing up go-carts and three-wheelers and letting them rip in the front pasture. Even bigger adventures included driving to Colorado in his International pick-up camper with no particular destination in mind because “we would figure it out when we got there.” In true Larry fashion. he found a remote paradise that is a slice of heaven to this day. He also would pack up the family conversion van and drive from Plant City to Washington State to visit family. Larry loved his Harley and rode out west several times, as well as a few stints to Sturgis. Traditions were important to him, and one of his favorites was the annual family beach week to Long Boat Key to fish, play games and collect shells with the family. A big fan of the Florida State Seminoles since the 1970s, Larry attended many games at Doak Campbell Stadium and went to every National Championship game. He was a Tampa Bay Rays superfan and loved baseball, in general. Rays season tickets are something he shared with Michelle and Lindsay and his presence will be deeply missed. He was an incredible old school heckler, and his humorous heckles always got snickers from the fans. Larry was a bright light and role model for all who knew him. He was a kind and joyful soul who never said a bad word about anyone, didn’t judge people and would lend a helping hand to anyone. His Bible was worn and ear-marked from faithfully reading scripture. He had a work ethic that was enviable, and he stepped up to mentor many. The stories of Larry’s generosity, service to others and humble leadership have been outstanding. He was a special person who touched so many lives and his kindness, generosity and love will be in our hearts forever. Many said he was one of God’s best. Because he was such a strong role model and had such a well-lived life, his family created a motto to keep his spirit close to them – Live Like Larry – an everyday reflection on how we each could be more like him. The world will be a better place because of it. We love him and miss him every second of every day! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org. If contributing online, please choose “donate” and then click on “make this gift in memory of an individual.” The memory acknowledgement should read “in memory of Larry L. Chandler.” If sending a check, please make it payable to Wounded Warrior Project, with “in memory of Larry L. Chandler” written in the memo note, and send it to Wounded Warrior Project, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Please send family acknowledgments for online and check donations to PO Box 4495, Plant City, FL 33563. Condolences to the Chandler family may be sent to the same Plant City address. Larry’s family is planning a Celebration of Life later this year.