A unit memorial will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the Fort Jackson Main Post Chapel, 4580 Scales Ave, Columbia, SC 29207. Burial will take place at 11am on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Chandler Owen Smith was a cherished son, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a dedicated soldier of the United States Army. He passed away on April 29th, 2026, at the tender age of 25. 

SSG Chandler Smith was born to Chris Smith and Tara Keller in Chesapeake Virginia on September 27th, 2000. Chandler was the first child of both Chris and Tara. He is survived by his mother Tara McCall, father Chris Smith, stepmother Veronica Smith, sisters Mia Smith, Katlyn Thompson, Sabrina Thompson, Megan Thompson and brother Dexter McCall, grandfather Timothy Smith, grandmother Cherryl Smith, and grandmother MaryAnna Keller. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Gary Thomas Keller, stepfather Spencer McCall, and various extended family members.

Chandler was well known for his passion and intensity for family, friends and anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, golfing, spending time outdoors, listening to every type of music and watching a wide variety of movies. Chandler had a deep love for history, learning about different eras and collecting WWII memorabilia. Chandler also collected Legos, particularly anything Star Wars related.

Chandler graduated from Western High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2019 and decided to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he became an 11B Infantryman. His first duty station was with the 11th Airborne Division, 1-5 IN BN in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is where Chandler discovered his interest in skiing during the Cold Weather Leaders Course and earned the Mountaineering badge.

SSG Chandler Smith then moved to Fort Jackson, SC where he became a Drill Sergeant for 4-39 IN BN with the 165th INF BDE. During his time in service, SSG Chandler Smith was well loved and revered by his leaders and peers for his attention to detail, devotion to the mission, and ability to find humor in every situation. SSG Chandler Smith’s service as a drill sergeant made a lasting impression on many trainees, who saw him as both a mentor and a leader.

SSG Chandler Owen Smith will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.