Rock Island resident and Van Buren County native Billy Joe Chandler, 79, was born July 13, 1935 and died Nov. 6 at his residence following a sudden illness.Retired from Gulf Ice Systems and a member of Eastside Baptist Church, he was the son of the late James Bascom and Jennie Tabitha Hash Chandler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Loyd and J.D. Chandler.He was married Feb. 4, 1974 to Minnie Lou Chandler of Rock Island. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Carey Chandler of Smartt, Dave Chandler of Spencer, and Mike Chandler of Walling; three grandchildren, Heather, Logan and Chelsey Chandler; and special cousin, Virginia Chandler Baker and husband Mike of Bone Cave.