Salisbury – Billy James (Preach) Chandler, 74 died Monday, November 16, 2015 in his home in
Salisbury, MD.

Born in South Boston, VA, he was the son of the late Harry H. Chandler and Martha Elizabeth (Robertson) Chandler.

He was 1961 graduate of the former Salisbury High School.  Upon graduation he attended the former Maryland State College in Princess Anne, now the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC.  He did further studies at Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown, DE.

In 2001 he retired from the DuPont Company Nemours in Seaford after more than 38 years.  He and a co-worker designed the Billy-Bob Windup equipment which is used by DuPont to this day. In 1998 he was recognized by the Black Employee Networking Conference for his design.

He was a member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury.  He served as a member of the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Vision Team, Transportation Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, United Methodist Men where he was treasurer and Senior Men's Choir.

His survivors include his wife of 52 years: Rita Banks Chandler of Salisbury; two children: William (DeLisa) Chandler, Sr. of Salisbury and Deneen (Gary) Westbrook of Laurel, MD; three grandchildren: Arionne, Brendon and William Jr.; a great-granddaughter: Aiyla; four sisters: Martha (Lee) Mitchell, Dr. Geraldine (Stan) Mason, Karen (Pete) Carden and Margie Carrigan; six step siblings; a mother-in-law: Glenwell Banks; special sister-in-law Sherleena (Elder Richard) Morris;other sisters-in-law; one aunt, Ruby (James) Coleman and several nieces and nephews.

His twin sister: Barbara Crosell Robeson preceded him in 2010.

A funeral service will be held noon, Friday, November 20, 2015 at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury where friends may call two hours prior to service.

---