By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A Hartselle native who received widespread acclaim for his artwork featuring nature was laid to rest March 20.
Larry Chandler of Hartselle died March 17 at Decatur General Hospital following a brief illness. He was 55.
Chandler was well known for his work featuring wildlife scenes. Several of his works were prize-winning entries for state duck stamp competitions, including the Alabama duck stamp for 1991-92.
He was best known for “Elusive Ivory,” his reproduction of an ivory-billed woodpecker once considered extinct.
Chandler painted the bird in 2004 after it was spotted in Arkansas. The bird had last been spotted in 1933 and was thought to have been extinct.
Chandler’s painting of the large red, black and white bird garnered national attention when it was endorsed by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology and was placed on display at the U.S. Department of Interior.
Chandler’s rendering was selected to be included on the 2005 Arkansas state duck stamp, license plates and Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited items.
At the time of the painting, Chandler said he felt blessed to be able to paint the rare bird.
Funeral services were held March 20 at West Hartselle Baptist Church, Peck Funeral Home directing. He is survived by his wife, Donna Chandler; three sons, Arby Chandler of Mobile and Ashley Chandler and Jeffrey Chandler of Hartselle and a host of other relatives.