Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN

Obituary For Kyle Gordon Chandler

Kyle Gordon Chandler, age 90, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at his home. He was born on July 9, 1932, in Knoxville and was the only child of Arthur and Mildred Chandler. Kyle graduated in 1951 from Knoxville High School and subsequently from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). While at UT, he met the love of his life, Marcia Jane Cook, who was a student in Baptist Hospital's nurses training program. They were married for 61 years until Marcia passed away in 2017.

Also while at UT, Kyle was a member of ROTC which led to military service in the USArmy. His career subsequently included being a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Louisiana, laboratory technician at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and science teacher at both South-Doyle and Farragut high schools, Kyle was a member of K-Town, Ole Smoky, and Sam's Tennessee Veterans' chapters of Tennessee Good Sams, as well as other Good Sam chapters in Florida. He served as an officer in some chapters as well as served on staff for the Tennessee Good Sams. He also belonged to the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). He and Marcia traveled to numerous Samborees and rallies throughout the country. He was a member of K-Town Red Hat Ladies and ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) social club.

Kyle's happy places included anytime and anywhere he and Marcia parked their RV to camp and around a table playing Mexican Train dominoes.

Kyle is survived by sons and daughter: Vernon Chandler, Terry Chandler, Ron Chandler, Jeffrey Chandler, and Cheryl Chandler; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sylvia Bright; other relatives and friends.

Special thanks are extended to grandson, James Chandler, for devoted care of his grandfather during the last months of his grandfather's life.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 5 pm to 7pm, with the funeral service to follow in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Interment of Kyle's body and adjacent inurnment of Marcia's cremains will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 2 pm at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Mr. Chandler's guestbook can be signed on-line at www.unitymortuary1979.com and www.legacy.com.

Guest Book

Mr. Chandler was my high school teacher. Several of us wanted an advanced biology class as seniors. He volunteered to teach. I will never forget our fruit fly experiments to learn about genetics!!

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Many days and evenings during K-Town Sams camping weekends and state Sambories, good memories of Kyle and a few others of us playing Mexican Train dominoes until late in the evenings. What great times we had!! Karen Mau (and Bill Mau played once in a while). Sure do miss all the good times we had then!! Bill and Karen Mau

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I remember most your smile and laugh, and how can I forget our hats. Be at peace dear Kyle. Hope you win many domino games in your next adventure. Donna Hollis

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It says to share a Memory, it would take a book to share all of my memories that my wife and I had with Kyle and Marcia. We camped with them, attended many Samborees and had a chance to talk about life with them. I do know that they loved each other and loved camping. Kyle was ready To pass on his knowledge and share could tell a joke with the best of them. I will pray for the family and thank God for your friendship. RIP my friend and give that wife a hug for me.

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I got to know Kyle when he worked at the Family Pantry next to our subdivision and later at Doyle High. Our paths crossed many times later over the years and it was always a pleasure to catch up. He was a good friend, teacher, and man. I pray for God's comfort for his family. Ted Wilkes

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN