Frank Louis Chandler, Jr.

Frank Louis Chandler Jr.

December 7, 1950 – September 3, 2026

Frank Louis Chandler Jr., 75, passed away on September 3, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas. Born on December 7, 1950, in Richmond, Virginia, Frank lived a full and hardworking life shaped by craftsmanship, the outdoors, and a lifelong ability to build and create.

 

Frank grew up in Richmond, where he played football and graduated from Huguenot High School. He later attended Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, before honorably serving in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, stationed in Caswell Beach, North Carolina.

 

Frank eventually made his home in Long Beach, North Carolina, now part of Oak Island. He married Sandra Allen, and during their 16-year marriage they welcomed two daughters, Dawnelle and Tracy.

 

A talented builder and craftsman, Frank co-owned Custom Crib Construction Company in Long Beach, building quality homes throughout the area. His construction career also gave him a unique place in movie history when he served as a construction leadman for the 1989 film Weekend at Bernie’s, filmed in the Fort Fisher area of North Carolina. Frank and the construction team helped bring the film’s memorable setting to life, including construction work on the house set used during filming.

 

After leaving North Carolina, Frank moved to Ocala, Florida, where he worked for The Home Depot. He later made his home in Carrollton, Georgia, where he married Karen “Kay” Sue Spruell. Frank and Kay shared six years of marriage before her passing. While in Carrollton, Frank worked for Marketing Group South and, most recently, Food Depot.

 

Away from work, Frank enjoyed gardening, fishing and boating, horses and rodeo, drawing, and construction. Whether working with his hands, putting something on paper, tending to a garden, or spending time outdoors, he had a natural appreciation for creating things and for the simple pleasures found outside.

 

In his later years, Frank battled dementia. During that difficult chapter, his daughter Dawnelle became his devoted caretaker and advocate. She remained by his side, caring for him with extraordinary dedication throughout his journey. To Frank, she was his angel during an especially meaningful part of his final years.

 

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank L. Chandler Sr. and Winnifred Charlotte Munn; his wife, Karen “Kay” Sue Chandler; and his sister, Dixie Dickason.

He is survived by his daughters, Dawnelle Minton and her husband, Kevin Minton, and Tracy Steed and her husband, Matt Steed; his sisters, Sandra Lantz and Joye Markan; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and family and friends who will carry forward their own memories of Frank.

 

In recognition of his honorable service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, Frank's internment will take place at Wilmington National Cemetery at a later date. Additional details will be announced once arrangements have been finalized. 

 

Frank’s life took him from Richmond to the Carolina coast, from Florida to Georgia, and finally to Texas. Along the way, he served his country, built homes, helped create a little piece of movie history, worked hard, created with his hands, and found joy in the outdoors.

 

Those who knew Frank will remember not simply the places he lived or the work he did, but the life he built along the way.

 

May he rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of all the things he loved.