Name: Visitation for Dr. John D. Handley
Start: 2017-07-19T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-07-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Natchez Trace Funeral Home

Dr. John D. Handley

Madison

Dr. John Davis Handley, 58, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at his home in Madison, after a brief battle with cancer. John was born on November 1, 1958 in Picayune, MS, to Jane Anne and Donald Handley. He attended Picayune Memorial High School, the University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy and University of Mississippi Medical Center.

John married Beth Kahlstorf Handley on November 23, 1996. Prior to his 25 year commitment to family dentistry, he worked as a pharmacist at the VA in Jackson, MS. He was active in his community, volunteering at the Medical Dental Clinic at Mission First as well as an active long-time member of First Baptist Church of Jackson. John loved and supported all things Ole Miss athletics and prided himself on being a season ticket holder since his college days. He not only bought season football tickets, but often traveled to away games to cheer on the Rebels. John also loved his many dogs, spending time with his family and watching reruns of the Andy Griffith Show.

John is survived by his loving wife, Beth; daughter, Sommer Ballard (Luke) of Little Rock, AR; brother, Richard Handley (Kay) of San Antonio, TX; sister, Elizabeth Handley of Jackson. As well as father-in-law, David Kahlstorf (Ouida) of Ridgeland; sisters-in-law: Dee Gasdick (Jeff) of Orlando, FL and Miki Key (Jackie) of Brandon and a host of loving nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Natchez Trace Funeral Home Wednesday, July 19 from 5:00 until 7:00, and funeral service will be held Thursday, July 20 at 11:00 at First Baptist Madison. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Webster Animal Shelter at 525 Post Oak Rd. Madison, MS 39110.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Jul. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Handley

Sponsored by Natchez Trace Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory.

29 Entries

Frances Davis

July 10, 2024

Miss you cousin! I think about you often. RIP

JAMES R MOORE

August 8, 2023

I still miss John's smile. He was a good man.

Frances Davis

July 10, 2019

I miss him so much! He was so loved by everyone.

Teresa Thomas

November 29, 2017

I recently learned of Dr. Handley's passing when I received a card from the dental office that took over his practice. No one can ever replace a kind and caring dentist like Dr. John Handley. My sympathy is with his wife, daughter and sister who he spoke dearly of everytime I went for my dental visit. He will be truly missed!!

Ron Herrington

September 1, 2017

I have just learned of Johns passing and am at a total loss of words. May God always give comfort to his family. John and I were friends while we worked at the Veterans Hospital in Jackson Mississippi for several years. We shared many laughs. What a fine man. I was certainly the blessed one in our friendship.

Jill Chastant

August 23, 2017

Beyond shocked to here of Dr. Handley's passing. He was a wonderful man and superb dentist. I loved our talks about growing up on the Coast, his family and of course his dogs. He will be greatly missed!

Kim Verneuille

August 18, 2017

So shocked to hear of Dr. Handley's passing. He was an awesome dentist and a wonderful man. Always had a kind word and a happy thought. Deepest condolences to his family.

Sharon Barnes

August 15, 2017

I just learned yesterday of Dr. Handley's passing. I couldn't be more heartbroken. He was the best dentist and kindest man you'd ever want to meet. My deepest condolences and most sincere prayers to the family.

Kimberly Cowan

August 11, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Dr. Handley's passing. He was the only dentist I actually liked going to willingly. He was such a good man who loved his family. They were his pride and joy. May God provide all of the strength you need in this difficult time.

Lillie Minor

August 10, 2017

Dr. Handley was my dentist for over 15 years! I loved him not only as a dentist but as a person. It was obvious that he was a God fearing man and he also was so kind, genuine, thoughtful and caring. I loved to hear him talk about his sister because it was so apparent that he loved her dearly. He leaves a wonderful legacy of what family is all about. My deepest condolences to his family. May God bless you and keep you during your time of loss.

M ADAMS

August 10, 2017

I AM SO SORRY AND SHOCKED TO HEAR THIS. DR HANDLEY WAS THE BEST DENTIST I EVER ENCOUNTERED. HE WAS SOO SWEET AND GENUINE. A HUMBLE MAN INDEED. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Clyde Speaks

August 9, 2017

Dr. Handley was not just a great dentist, he was a great person! Kind, thoughtful and very generous with his time, conversations, and his giving! I loved talking Ole Miss football and sports with him each time I visited!

He will be greatly missed by the Speaks Family

Rev. Linda Berry

July 31, 2017

Best dentist I've ever gone to! The last time I was in his office, he had recovered from recent surgery, and said with utter confidence and serenity - "I'm a Christian. If I die, I know where I'll go." His smile, good cheer in the face of anything, and his willingness to help will be very long remembered. Hallelujah, Dr. John! You're home! Rev. Linda T. Berry - Trinity Broadcasting TV Network, Jackson, MS Station WRBJ-TV

Chris & Pam Hinkle

July 25, 2017

So sad to hear of John's passing. Like others, we didn't just consider John our dentist, but our great friend. He would often take the time when he would find a local article about our children in the paper, to cut it out, and mail it to us with a sweet note. He was a great man, husband, and father and really loved his dogs. I know he is in the warm embrace of Christ. We will miss him until we see him again at the greatest of homecomings with Christ.

Kim & David Gonzales

July 24, 2017

We are so very sad & to hear about John. He was the most thoughtful, caring practitioner. We considered him more than our dentist, a friend. So kind, so caring. He will be so greatly missed. Our loving thoughts & prayers are with you.

Danita Calvin Redd

July 23, 2017

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He and I grew up together in Picayune and attended First Baptist Church of Picayune. Our prayers are with all of the family during this time.

Kara Kimbrough

July 20, 2017

John is now at peace, celebrating with his beloved Mom. He touched so many lives over the course of his impressive career and had a true servant's heart.

July 20, 2017

John is now at peace, celebrating in heaven with his beloved Mom. Take comfort in knowing that he is free from the cares of this world.

Steven Magro

July 19, 2017

The last time I saw my friend was the ole miss- state football game What a beautiful scene watching John and Beth leaving their tent and walking to the stadium and having this strong beautiful man look back and wave. I'm so blessed and thankful to witness one of the many things he really enjoyed " Going to "root" for the rebels . I'm going to miss him terribly ! I hope and pray that his family and friends find the strength to get through this difficult time.

Carey Meitzler

July 18, 2017

John was a great friend and teammate in youth league and high school baseball. He was a pleasure to be around with his fun loving nature and sense of humor. John was also a very good basketball player as well. I saw him a few years ago (by chance) in Jackson and enjoyed our conversation. I'll always remember your wonderful smile "Mughead". Also, his mother was a great educator and to this day is missed in Picayune. My prayers go out to John's family.
Carey Meitzler, Picayune,MS

Ron & Shirley Little

July 18, 2017

We are in shock to learn of John's passing, Shirley and I thought he was the nicest most polite man we
knew. Our prayers to John and family. We last visited John and family at Whisper Lake Club during lunch several weeks ago and never believed we would lose him so soon. God bless you all.

jim moore

July 18, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with John's family and all of his many friends. John was a good man who always had a smile on his face and a friendly word. He will be greatly missed by many.

BancorpSouth

July 18, 2017

So sorry for the loss. Such a sweet person, Prayers go out to the family!

BancorpSouth

July 18, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to the family!

Pat Brown

July 18, 2017

To Mrs. Handley and family, please except my deepest condolences on the passing of my dentist and friend. He was so very kind to me and so encouraging. He said he was tired but he is now resting with our Heavenly father. May God give you all the strength that you need in the future.

Susan and Adrien Landry

July 18, 2017

John was one of the kindest, gentlest souls who ever lived. He will be dearly missed as our friend and dentist. May God comfort this family as we keep all of you in our prayers.

Kim Erickson

July 18, 2017

I am so sad to hear this. Kirk and I just saw John at the reservoir. My mother in law, Imogene is sad also. Prayers to all his family and friends.

Frances Davis

July 18, 2017

John was the most caring, giving,kind, selfless human being I have ever known. He put others before himself on a regular basis. He has touched so many people in his life. I miss you cousin! My prayers are with his family.

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