By Bonita Wilborn
Mr. Leland H. Chandler wore many hats during his career, from FBI employee to law enforcement officer, Alabama State Trooper, Police Commissioner, City Councilman, Mayor, Private Investigator, Supervisor of Security, and business owner. In addition, his hats included those of son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Masonic member, and Shriner.
Leland was born on July 15, 1934, to the late James Hobart and Mary Farris Chandler in Cherokee County. Shortly before graduating high school in 1952, an FBI agent came and talked to Chandler’s senior class.
Soon afterward, Chandler received a letter from then FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover instructing him of the date and time to report to Washington, D.C., to begin fingerprinting school. When the FBI comes knocking, you answer the call.
Chandler finished the mandated fingerprinting school and was given a job with the FBI, which he did for almost four years.
While working there, Chandler suggested a change about some fingerprints he was working on. The bureau accepted the change, and Chandler received a merit award, a scroll from then United States Attorney General Herbert Brownell, and got to have his photo taken with J. Edgar Hoover.”
When Chandler’s time with the FBI was finished, the country boy, now a young man, was glad to return home. Although the rest of his high school classmates were already well into their college careers or work lives, Leland decided he wanted to start his college career. He attended Jacksonville State University but unfortunately didn’t finish his education before taking on several jobs. He soon realized that he had the desire to go into law enforcement. So that is the path his life took next.
Chandler spent three and a half years working in Cherokee County under Sheriffs R.C. Leath and Mack Garrett before applying for a job with the Alabama State Troopers. After he spent some time with the troopers, moving to Fort Payne during those years, Chandler served as Assistant Police Commissioner for four years and then served as Police Commissioner for an additional four years.
Chandler ran for a seat on the Fort Payne City Council and won. He served for two terms in that position. While serving on the Council as Fort Payne’s Mayor Pro-Tem, Chandler was called upon to complete the last few months of five-term Mayor Fred Purdy’s administration.
Chandler later got his Private Investigator’s license and opened a Bail Bonding and Bounty Hunting Business, which he ran for two years. After those two years, then DeKalb County Sheriff Harold Richards sought a deputy to make trips. Chandler had wanted to get back into law enforcement for some time, so he returned to working as a deputy.
While at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Chandler worked under Sheriffs Cecil Reed, Jimmy Harris, and Nick Welden.
He ended his long career in law enforcement and served as Supervisor of Security for the DeKalb County Courthouse.
He had achieved the rank of major.
In his personal life, Leland Chandler was a member of Northside Baptist Church, Fort Payne Fraternal Order of Police #37, Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437 – Past Master, and Alhambra Shrine Temple.
Mr. Leland H. Chandler, age 88, of Fort Payne, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022, at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Law Enforcement and Masonic Rites and Brother Jeff Baker officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alhambra Shrine Cripple Children’s Fund or to the Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437.
Mr. Chandler is survived by: Wife of 63 years – Carolyn Hale Chandler. Children – Sherry Wear, Cynthia (Kenneth) Wooten, and Craig Chandler. Grandchildren – Brooke (Tony) Durham, Kristen Cody, Matthew (Brandy) Wooten, Kane (Chiyo) Wear, and Chelsea Chandler. Great-grandchildren – Karley Craft, Mattie Prewett, Solomon Strong, Braden Wooten, Skyler Cody, Dakota Wooten, and Jayton Wooten. Special Sons – Chris McAbee, Charles Morgan, and Todd Hale.
He was preceded in death by: Parents – James Hobart and Mary Farris Chandler. Son – Keith Chandler. Granddaughter – Logan Chandler.
A DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post said of Chandler, “To know him was to love him. He was a father, grandfather, son, uncle, and everyone’s friend. Everyone who met him benefited from his wisdom and amazing advice. He definitely left his mark on this earth. He led an incredible life and left a remarkable legacy.”
At a 2013 appreciation event, Chandler commented, “It has been a pleasure to work in law enforcement as long as I did. It’s been a part of me for so long. These people are my family. I love each and every one of them. I thank the brothers and sisters who wear the uniform. Wear it with honor to yourself and be proud to stand with your department. Hold your head high, regardless of what people have to say. When they have trouble, they like to know you’re on your way.”