Harbeson, Delaware
1920 - 2013 (Age 93)
James Otis Handy
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN
& SUSSEX COUNTY
EDUCATOR
Age 93 of Harbeson, DE died Sunday Apr 21, 2013 at the Delaware Hospice Center surrounded by his son Andrew and sister Mary after a lengthy illness. Otis was born Jan 20, 1920 to the late James and Hattie Jackson Handy in Salisbury, MD. Otis served in the Army as a proud Tuskegee Airman, providing ground support as a mechanic for the pilots who were flying escort missions during the war. During Otis's teaching career he taught history at the former Wm. C. Jason High School. After the closing of Jason in 1967 he then took a teaching position at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, DE, he retired in 1992.
His wife Delores P. Norwood Handy predeceased him in June of 2011. Otis was a member of Israel UM Church, Meth Men, VFW Post Millsboro, Tuskegee Airman-John H. Porter Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Delaware Retired Teachers Assoc.
Survivors: son Andrew Lamar Handy, Houston, TX; 1 grandchild; 3 great-grandchildren; brother Andrew Lee Handy, Baltimore, MD; 2 sisters: Florence Olivia Harris, Phila, PA, Mary Purnell, Greensboro, NC; 2 sisters-in-law: Cora N. Selby & Hilda T. Norwood both of Belltown, DE; The Handy & Norwood families; a host of cousins and friends.
Service: Sat, Apr 27 at 12 Noon, Israel UM Church, 20230 Plantation Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. Friends may call at the church Friday evening from 6 to 8 pm, final viewing Saturday morning two hours before service.
Miller Funeral &
Cremation Services
millerfuneralandcremation.com
302-734-8100 & 302-947-1144
Uncle Otis loved sharing military stories as well as life stories in general. I also remember him liking to play/show little tricks. If you engaged in conversation with him long, you would hear the word joker. Thanks for the memories and who you were in my life. RIP.
Adrian Le Blanc
April 19, 2020 | Chesterfield, MO | Family
He was Great Mentor to All His Students and Staff. A Wise Man Who was Gifted in Speaking to People in a Way that Made in See The Whole Picture. Thank You for the Experience of Your Teaching. Mike Daisey Class of 84.
Michael Daisey
April 19, 2020 | Gumboro, DE | Student
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
John Smithy
April 19, 2019 | Dover, DE | Teacher
Many many fond memories of Mr. Handy. My condolences to the Handy family
May 10, 2013
I was his student in the late 70s at SCSH. I will never forget Mr. Handy's good humor and all-around kindness that year. He was an admirable teacher and person.
Dawn Norman
May 09, 2013
My condolences to the Handy family. I know how much Otis will be missed by you.
Maxine Chisholm
May 01, 2013 | Philadelphia, PA
We met at VFW events thanks for your service. He was a good post commander.We will miss you.Larry Waters State Commander VFW
Larry Waters
April 29, 2013 | Newark, DE
a great teacher and a great man rest in peace <3
Monica Riordan
April 28, 2013 | Millsbor, DE
To the Handy family: It was such a pleasure to know and treat Mr. Handy. As one of his health care providers, I could not have asked for a more motivated and faithful patient. He and my late father were the same age and had much in common. Even though they never met as mortals, they will have much to share in eternity.. Dr. Elton P. Maddox Salisbury, Md.
Dr. Elton Maddox
April 27, 2013 | Salisbury, MD