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“Remembering Coach Chandler”

Growing up in North Little Rock, I can remember the days living in building four of the Shorter Gardens Projects, directly across the street from Eight Street Baptist Church where Coach Chandler was always there faithfully giving service as a child of God. I can picture him in my mind keeping us in line and encouraging us to keep up our good grades and excelling in sports, drama, etc.

Having spent a large majority of my early years around Coach Chandler and even working as a youth usher with him and his two sons, I came to know them very well. We referred to each other as Cuz all the time.

My best memory of Coach came when I started the 8th grade at Poplar Street Junior High school. I remember doing something in class one day and the teacher got upset with my behavior and reported it to the principal. I did not necessarily agree with the teacher but nothing was done and as far as I felt it was over with and behind me.

All the athletes had 6 period class at the same time. I remember walking into the gym that afternoon as coach was telling everyone to get dressed for practice. I walked passt him on my way to the locker room and he called me over to the stage where he was talking to several other guys.

He spoke to me in the same way that he normally would at church, so you know that made me feel like I was special and that I had an inside connection that the other guys in the gym did not have. He asked about the incident with the teacher that occurred earlier in the day. I told him nothing happened and she was incorrect.

He said that teacher would not lie on you.

I was like, What! I could not believe Cuz did not believe me. I told him honestly she is mistaken. All the guys in the gym started to laugh. I began to panic. What is funny?

He pulled out this wooden paddle and asked me to turn around. (smile)

“But Coach Chandler, I did not do anything!” I was really pleading my case.

He said, “Barker, It hurts me to my heart, but I gotta BUST YOU DOWN!”

SSSSLAP!!!! SSSSLAP!!!! SSSSLAP!!!!

I will never forget those three licks. I learned a very important lesson that day and gained a whole new level of respect for him. The man was fair and we were all his children.

That last time I talked to Coach Chandler, I told him that my brother and I were living in Atlanta, GA and that I was working on building a company and dedicating my time as he did for us to helping guide the next generation of children.

Coach told me, “Keep God first in whatever you do”

I reflect back often on my many encounters with this special person. Thank you for what you have taught me through your examples.

Sincerely,

Daron D. Barker
CEO/President
Parentpoints, Inc.
www.parentpoints.com