Peter Lee Chandler Sr., City of Rehoboth retiree

Peter “Robert” Lee Chandler Sr. passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022; God called him home after a lengthy battle of sickness. He was born Monday, Dec. 7, 1942, in Pungoteague, Va., son of the late James Melvin Chandler Sr. and Laura Ann (Ayers) Chandler. 

Robert accepted the Lord Jesus Christ early in his life at St. George A.M.E. Church in Lewes.

He was affectionately known as “Robert” to many, and was called Pop, Pop-pop, and Poppy by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved him very much. Young Blood and Blue were also his nicknames. Peter was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man of few soft-spoken words who possessed a stern look from time to time. 

Robert was educated in the Accomack County Public School System, where he received his primary education to the 8th grade. He left school at an early age to work with his father and gained other work skills through time. He later had his firstborn daughter, Laura Ann Smith. A few years later, Robert was united in holy matrimony to Mary Louise (Glover) Chandler and together from their union children, Peter Robert L. Chandler Jr., Beverly R. (Chandler) Bivens, Edward, Vincent Glover Sr., and Carolyn G. Spence.

Early in life, Robert worked as a field laborer with his parents. He learned to drive and operate farm machinery, delivering farm products to the surrounding grader facilities. He also worked with uncles in Maryland and Delaware. Later, he moved from Virginia making his home in Delaware, and resided with his uncle, Robert Ayers (his mother’s brother), until he became established to move on his own. Peter was a longtime resident of Milton. Peter purchased his own work truck to make vegetable deliveries, driving from Delaware to Virginia. He became well-known around the communities, working for those who needed odd jobs performed. Peter joined Masonic Solomon Lodge 287 in Rehoboth. His occupations include working at the Clam Factory in Lewes, American Original in Seaford and Allen’s Foods in Harbeson. Then, Peter worked for the City of Rehoboth as a heavy equipment operator, where he worked for 35 years until he retired. 

Peter enjoyed fixing mechanical issues on vehicles and lawnmowers, driving wells, plumbing work and cutting grass. Most of all he loved being outside and enjoying nature. Peter also loved attending family functions and meeting new family members. He made sure whoever went with him had a pen or pencil with paper, not wanting to miss the opportunity of getting family information.

Preceding Peter in death are his wife of 45 years, Mary Chandler; three sisters, Vernice Fullard, Desso Hugee and Emma Chandler; his beloved brother, James Chandler Jr.; as well his nephew, Mario Chandler; and great-nephews; Eddie Green Jr. and Angelo Chandler Jr.

Left to cherish Peter’s memory are his children, Laura Ann Smith of Bridgeville, Edward Glover of Lewes, Vincent Glover Sr. (Angela) of Newark, Carolyn Spence (Matthew) of Bridgeville, Peter Robert Lee Chandler Jr. of Milton and Beverly Bivens (Lewis) of Smyrna; grandchildren, Mario Coursey Sr., Nehemiah Smith Sr., Taurean Smith, Chamar Cherry, Tierra Chandler, Twyneica Chandler, Tremaine Glover, Vincent Glover Jr. and Ebony Smith; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lawanda Barber (Garland) of Dover; brother-in-law, Robert “Bodie” Glover Sr. of Rehoboth; two aunts, Marguerite Rogers and Carrie Bailey, both of Eastern Shore Virginia; two nieces, Alice Mae and Danita; five nephews, Lionel Sr., Angelo Sr., Maurice Sr., Eldredge Sr. and James Marvin; a special friend, Teresa Butcher; longtime family friend, Rebecca “Mickey” Davis; and a host of other family members and friends. Peter will forever hold a special place in many hearts and will be remembered and missed dearly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 14, at Friendship Baptist Church, 500 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lewes. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service.

To offer words of comfort or sign the guestbook, benniesmithfuneralhomesdelaware.com. 

Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.