Billy Mitchell Chandler Jr.

Mitch came from a large extended family he was always proud of. He leaves behind three siblings: Cheryl Rainey (Russell) of Durango, Colorado, Elizbeth Mercer (Joey) of Rison, Arkansas, and Matt (Angie) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

He also leaves multiple nieces and nephews, a beloved daughter, Chloe, of Conway, Arkansas, and three stepchildren: Anna Sharabura of Kansas City, Missouri, Chase Carter (Betsy) of Cave City, Arkansas, and Seth Carter of Little Rock.

Mitch was raised in a loud and lively North Little Rock household, which he always described as “the big house.” His personality and sense of humor touched hundreds of people, from his Catholic High School for Boys days to his time as an Emmy Award-winning producer in Little Rock television newsrooms. During his career, he worked at KTHV, KARK, and KATV. He also helped start a TV newsroom operation in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was most at home in a loud television control room, holding together the elements of a newscast, giving directions to anchors, and deciding where the whole crew would meet for a beverage after the late newscast ended. His TV mentor and close friend Bob Steel, then KARK News Director, brought Mitch into the turbulent world of local television in the 1990s, and their friendship lasted a lifetime.

Over the years, he made over 25 trips to Paris, where he savored the people, culture, history, and cuisine. He also loved deep-sea fishing while staying at the family home on the beachfront in Destin, Florida. From Paris to the Florida Panhandle, he was the center of any party, whether a backyard cookout, a cow field, a sports bar, Canyon Grill, or an elegant Parisian restaurant. But underneath this life of the party exterior was an intellect who could explain the history of the Middle East and loved to discuss World War II history.

Following his years in broadcasting, Mitch worked at the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, designing communication strategies with his mentor and great friend Larry Walther. In recent years, he produced beautiful videos for the FBI Agents Association, telling the stories of agents being assisted by the association. He loved the FBI culture and was immensely honored to be a part of telling the agent's story.

His final year of life was spent with Robyn Friday, whom he deeply loved. He was like a love-struck 17-year-old when spending time with a thoughtful woman who loved him back. The final weekend of his life was appropriately spent traveling with Robyn to Washington, D.C. It was a trip that included excellent restaurants and his FBI friends, a perfect finale for someone who lived large and brought laughter to so many.

Mitch courageously dealt with health issues in his final years of life. He was a gruff but always optimistic patient, tended to by dear friends Eric and Leslie Heizman with love and grace.

Mitch spent years on the Goodwill of Arkansas board of directors. If you want to donate to Goodwill in his name, donations can be sent to Suite 50, 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive, Little Rock 72209. You can also donate in Mitch’s name to support the Catholic High School for Boys Foundation at 6300 Father Tribou St, Little Rock 72205. Mitch never claimed to be an academic standout in high school, but decades later, he loved being a master of ceremonies at reunions. Everyone remembered him as central to their high school memories.

If you want to donate to the FBI Agents Association in Mitch's name, please send it to FBIAA, MAF, PO Box 320215, Alexandria, VA 22320.

If you prefer to gather a few kindred spirits to honor our friend instead of writing a check, raise a chilled vodka martini (Titos, dirty, two olives) at the Faded Rose or the Capital Hotel bar to a life well lived. The Chandler family plans a memorial service in January with fishing stories, old-school TV news types, North Little Rock neighbors, and beverages.

Stay tuned.