Donald William Chandler

Donald William Chandler, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home October 15, 2022.

Don was born in Panama City on September 3, 1971 and lived there his entire life. He attended Bay County Schools and later attended United Electronics Institute in Tampa, FL, receiving a degree in Marine Electronics. He then went to work for Bay Marine Electronics and after a few years he joined his brother, Ray, at his company, Panhandle Pools. After Ray's passing, Don started his own business as owner/operator of D/C Marine Electronics. He was in the marine electronics business for 30 years.

It seemed a natural fit for Don, allowing him to work around the water and boats that he loved so much. Don started fishing at a young age and loved all the salt- and fresh-water activities that the coastal area offered. He did it all, from speckled trout fishing on the intercoastal waterway to the Spanish mackerel run at the jetties to shark fishing at night from the beach.

Don had salt water in his veins and he and Ray were often referred to as "having gills." He was certified as a Junior Scuba Diver at age 13 and worked at Panama City Dive Center. As a teenager, he worked there filling dive tanks, etc. and was given the title "Air Ape." This was the beginning of his learning all about the local water scene.

Don was a true outdoorsman. During his growing up years, he frequently visited his grandparents in Hogansville, who had a large, wooded farm area. He learned to shoot at an early age and later became an avid deer hunter. During Don's adult years, he always looked forward to going to Georgia for the hunting season. For the last 20 years, his routine was to spend a few weeks in Georgia during the hunting season, depending on the needs of his customers.

Don loved all the people he worked with---all the charter boat Captains, the deck hands and all the people at the boat docks. He enjoyed working with the representatives of the various electronic supply companies and delivery personnel. Folks from all over the Southeast were loyal customers and friends.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved dog, Skipper.

Don is preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Edward Chandler and is survived by his wife of 16 years, Michele; his parents, William Raymond and Elsie DePourcq Chandler; niece, Savannah Ray Chandler; and Michele's brother, Craig Armstrong and nephew, Kyle Payne.

Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

"Old Friend, grief is like the wake behind a boat.  It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward.  But if you do keep moving the big wave will eventually dissipate.  And after a long enough time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and as enduring as the stars above."  from A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord Make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  Amen.