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1947 Walter 2023

Walter Harper Chandler, Iii

October 22, 1947 — April 17, 2023

Walter Harper Chandler, III, age 75, of Savannah, GA and formerly of Dunwoody, GA achieved the highest of all of his ambitions on Monday, April 17, 2023: he saw Jesus.

Walter was born on October 22, 1947 in Dallas, TX, to Vieno (Somppi) and Walter Harper Chandler, Jr. As a boy, he grew up in Texas and Oklahoma where he had grand adventures with his friends exploring the fields surrounding his neighborhood. At the age of 12, his family moved to Atlanta, GA. During his years at North Fulton High School, he was at the top of his class academically and was also a superstar on the basketball team and a champion shot put and discus thrower. He went on to Mercer University on a basketball scholarship, but after one year, decided to marry Linda, his high school sweetheart, and transfer to Georgia Tech to earn his degree in Industrial Engineering. He began his manufacturing engineering career with Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX and continued with Ortec in Oakridge, TN; Gilbarco in Greensboro, NC; Marconi Avionics in Atlanta, GA; and ultimately Scientific Atlanta where he took early retirement. To keep busy after retirement, he was very active in his church (First Baptist Atlanta) volunteering in the finance and missions departments and four year old Sunday school class and participating in the Eternal Seekers Sunday school class. He also discovered a love for preparing taxes and worked seasonally as well as voluntarily preparing taxes for countless individuals. After being diagnosed with a chronic disease causing nerve pain, Walter and Linda moved to Savannah, GA in 2017 to be close to family. Although he could not continue to do many of the things he enjoyed, he never complained and made the most of his circumstances.

Despite being a well-loved and successful engineer and manager, his true passions were his relationship with the Lord and his family. Walter had a strong Christian faith that began when he gave his life to Christ during high school. He loved spending time worshipping, reading and studying the Bible, serving in the church, supporting world missions, and helping others. At home, he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids, playing a game of basketball in the driveway, wiffle ball in the backyard, or Bonkers at the kitchen table. He was always present at any of their events in the audience, stands or on the sidelines cheering them on. Walter was a talented handyman and was able to build or fix just about anything. He not only took great care of his own house but was always willing to help friends and family with their home projects, too. Thanksgiving was always special with his famous barbecued turkey that he cooked on the grill. The grandkids enjoyed being spoiled by his Coke floats and special privileges received while he was the babysitter.

Walter set the example of what a godly family should look like. He led with faith, wisdom, knowledge, generosity, and humor. He did everything with excellence, efficiency and love. He was truly our gentle giant.

He is remembered by his beloved wife of 55 years and greatest cheerleader, Linda Ferguson Chandler; daughters, Alisa Harris (Steve) and Andrea Shurtz (Chris); grandchildren, Caleb (Maddy), Nathan (Alecs), Zach, Elijah, Moriah (Ben), Mattie, Hannah, Sarah, Ezekiel, and Eden Harris as well as Lindsay, Abby, Mallory, and Chandler Shurtz; great grandchildren, Ellie, Brayden, Wren, Rylie and Rhett; sisters, Kathy Chandler and Beth Chandler; brother, Bruce Chandler (Tricia) and multiple nieces and nephews.

To celebrate his life, there will be a private family service at a later date.

Due to Walter's love for missions, remembrances may be made to the Community Bible Church Mission Fund, 1112 E. 69th Street, Savannah, GA 31404 or a missionary of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter Harper Chandler, Iii, please visit our flower store.

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