Reverend Thomas Earl Chandler

In Loving Memory Of Thomas Earl Chandler was the only child born to Lorraine Bumpers and Thomas Finney Chandler on November 14, 1962, in East Meadow, New York. Under the tutelage of his mother, He accepted Christ at an early age and was very active in church. He worked with the male chorus, Sunday School and with the Men’s Department. Thomas attended Lawrence High School, where he became a member of the wrestling team, graduating in 1981. He later graduated from DeVry Institute with a degree in electronics in 1984. Thomas enjoyed working on all types of electronics and always referred to his work as projects in which he dedicated his time. This gave him great joy. Not one to hold his tongue, he was direct and honest and was known to ruffle a feather or two. It should have come as no surprise that Thomas would be called to preach the gospel. Upon the passing of his beloved parents, Thomas and Lorraine, Thomas relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1998. With help from his Uncle Leo, he began his employment with Ford Motor Company as an assembler and also served as a chaplain to his fellow autoworkers. Thomas retired from Ford in 2011. Thomas was led to join Enon Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C. L. Moore. Thomas would later be ordained to preach the gospel on June 2, 2002. While at Enon, Thomas displayed the same boldness and fire for God he had in New York. He began working with the youth and in Sunday School. He was eventually appointed youth minister. He loved Sunday School because he loved teaching and challenging ideas. He loved working with the youth because he had worked with youth programs in New York, and he saw how lives could be transformed. He was gifted in both and made quite an impression. After Rev. Moore’s passing in 2011, Thomas was elected pastor of the church and was officially installed in June 2012. At home, Thomas often entertained the neighborhood with his favorite artists’ music. Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, Williams Brothers and most recently, Anita Wilson, were in daily rotation. He was a dedicated Golden State Warriors Fan, and his favorite players were Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Thomas made connections easily as he was personable and kind. While at Enon he met a young mother named Jacqueline. What started as a friendship blossomed into a great love, and they were joined in marriage on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2008. They shared their lives, ups and downs, joys and sorrows, for almost 15 years. Thomas’ untimely passing has left us with a broken heart and a great void. He is already sorely missed.

Reverend Thomas Earl Chandler

November 14, 1962 - September 24, 2022