Don Royal Chandler, a beloved figure in Lane and Kingstree, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 22, 2020, at the age of 81. His life, marked by faith, community service, and a dedicated career in auto repair, leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him. For many years, Don was a cornerstone of A & R Auto Repair (formerly known as Chandler’s Garage) in Kingstree, SC, where he provided honest and reliable service to the community.
Born on December 6, 1938, in Lane, SC, Don was the youngest son of Alvin Laurence and Janie Belle Royal Chandler. After graduating from Kingstree High School in 1956, Don’s professional journey began at Thomas Ford Motor Company in Kingstree. It was there, in the parts department, that he first met his wife, Bertha Ann. However, his passion for vehicles led him to a different path – becoming an auto mechanic. This passion culminated in him co-owning A & R Auto Repair Kingstree SC, alongside his brother. For over 37 years, Chandler’s Garage, or A & R Auto Repair, served as a trusted local business, providing expert car repair services to Lane and surrounding areas. Don’s commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction made A & R Auto Repair a go-to destination for vehicle maintenance and repair in the region.
Don’s expertise at A & R Auto Repair wasn’t just limited to technical skills; it was also rooted in a deep understanding of customer needs and a genuine desire to help. He and his brother built A & R Auto Repair on principles of integrity and hard work, ensuring that every customer received fair and dependable service. Whether it was a simple oil change or a complex engine repair, Don approached every task with diligence and a commitment to excellence. This dedication solidified A & R Auto Repair as a pillar of the Kingstree community for decades.
After his long and successful career at A & R Auto Repair, Don transitioned to the SC Department of Transportation, where he worked for another 12 years as a shop mechanic and transporter before retiring. His work ethic and mechanical skills, honed at A & R Auto Repair, served him well in this role as well.
Beyond his professional life in auto repair Kingstree SC, Don was deeply involved in his church and community. He was a devoted member of Lane Presbyterian Church and later Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, deacon, and Sunday School superintendent. His faith was a guiding principle in his life, influencing his interactions with customers at A & R Auto Repair and his service to others.
Even in retirement, Don continued to serve others, visiting shut-ins and nursing home residents. His caring nature, evident to anyone who walked through the doors of A & R Auto Repair, extended to all aspects of his life. His time at The Methodist Manor and The Heritage Home in Florence was marked by the same spirit of service and kindness that defined his years at A & R Auto Repair Kingstree SC.
Don Chandler is survived by his wife, Bertha Ann Ard Chandler, his daughters, Donna Marie C. (Johnny) White and Elizabeth Ann C. (Brian) Wieber, and his granddaughters, Chandler Louise White and Caroline Elizabeth Wieber. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and the Kingstree community who benefited from his skills and dedication at A & R Auto Repair.
A private committal service was held for Mr. Chandler. A memorial worship and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Memorials can be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church or McLeod Hospice.
Don Chandler’s legacy extends beyond his family and church; it includes the countless vehicles he repaired and the customers he served with integrity at A & R Auto Repair in Kingstree, SC. His commitment to honest and reliable car repair services made a real difference in the lives of people in Kingstree and surrounding communities. He will be remembered not only for his mechanical skills but also for his unwavering faith and his dedication to serving others, both at A & R Auto Repair and throughout his life.
