Ronnie Chandler

Ronnie L. Chandler passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, knowing he was deeply loved by his family and friends.

Ron was born on July 6, 1944 in Dearborn, MI, the son of the late Joe and Hazel Chandler.

Growing up Ron's love of baseball led him to pursue a professional career as a pitcher. From 1963 to 1970, he played in the minor leagues for the Duluth-Superior Dukes, Lakeland Tigers, Knoxville Smokies, Montgomery Rebels, Syracuse Chiefs, and Toledo Mud Hens. Over the course of his 183-game career, Ron earned 51 victories and finished with a 4.20 earned run average (ERA). He took great pride in the game he loved, and his dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit were evident every time he stepped onto the mound.

After graduating from Fordson High School, Ron pursued his dream of playing professional baseball. Following his baseball career, he worked in the drywall industry before returning to school to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in 1976. He then built a successful career as a financial advisor at Sigma Financial, where he was known for his integrity, wisdom, and dedication to helping others plan for their futures.

If there was coffee brewing, a box of Tim-bits on the table, good food to share, or a golf course nearby, you could be sure Ron was not far behind. Those simple pleasures reflected the kind of person he was: someone who found happiness in everyday moments and loved sharing them with the people he cared about.

He is survived by his wife, Sandi; his daughter, Amanda Chandler; his stepdaughters, Bridgit (Ryan) Smith, Katie (Vence) McBride, and Megan (Adam) Ramsey; his grandchildren, Paige, Lucas, and Brennan Smith, and Lucy, Mollie, and Lila McBride; his brother, Jerry (Kari) Chandler; and his nephew, Derek (Valerie), and nieces, Bree (Agustin) and Adrienne (Tyler), and many family members and friends. He was predeceased in death by his daughter, Kimberly Ann Chandler; his father, Joe (aka Tippy), mother, Hazel Barber, and half-sisters Jewel Mathis and June Eckert.

Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church 22124 Garrison Street, Dearborn, MI 48124. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well-lived and to share in the comfort of shared memories and mutual support. Internment to follow the funeral service at Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name to: Golf Association of Michigan Youth on Course Michigan 395 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331. Golf Association of Michigan Youth on Course