Ray L. Schandera, 71, of Dawsonville, died June 16, 2011.

Born Aug. 2, 1939 in Tallapoosa to the late Lewis and Fannie Schandera, he lived in Dawson County for the past 25 years, having moved from Clermont.

Mr. Schandera worked in both residential and commercial construction.

He was a loving father and grandfather who worked hard and lived life to the fullest every day.

His wife, Lou Schandera; brother, Bobby Schandera; and sister, Betty Joyce Schandera, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughters and son-in-law, Deborah and Marcus Crowe of Dawsonville, Angela Alexander of Newnan; sons and daughters-in-law, Ray Schandera Jr., Lamar and Connie Schandera, all of Dawsonville, Richard and Angela Schandera of Columbus, Ronald Schandera of Gainesville; sister, Linda Brewer of Tallapoosa; brother, Jimmy Schandera of Atlanta; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; companion, Nancy Adams of Dawsonville; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. June 18 at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Scott Wilson officiating. Interment followed in Moss Memorial Gardens.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.