The Selma Times-Journal

The late Robert Jackson &8220;Jack&8221; Chandler, a Jones native, gave more than 50 years of service to the Selma Water Works and Sewer Board.

His service to the city was recognized in a ceremony Tuesday dedicating the Selma water treatment facility at 1706 Selma Avenue in his name.

The dedication was a joint effort between Chandler&8217;s family and the Selma Water Works and Sewer Board.

A crowd of friends, family, and board members gathered at Ellwood Community Church for the tribute, including Joe Miller, a former president of the American Water Works Association Alabama-Mississippi chapter who came to the dedication from Anniston.

The program was held across the street from the treatment facility due to continuous rain Tuesday.

Rev. Lee Goodwin of Second Baptist Church gave opening remarks for the ceremony.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. described Chandler as a good friend in his remarks before the dedication. &8220;Chandler was really true to what he said and what he did,&8221; Perkins said.

Perkins also declared April 1, 2008

&8220;Robert Jackson &8216;Jack&8217; Chandler Day.&8221;

Chandler was married to Lorine Martin Chandler. Children Miriam Chandler Bearden, Robert Jackson Chandler Jr., and Robert Jackson Chandler III attended the dedication.

During his years of service, Chandler lived on the grounds of the treatment facility. One of his former residences is now the administration building for the Selma Water Works and Sewer Board.

Chandler began working for the board in 2002 as a consultant and continued until his death. He was recognized as a water source expert by the American Water Works Association.

The dedication has been in the works since October 2007.

Chandler died

Aug. 28, 2007.