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BORN
1920
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
James Handy Obituary
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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Handy
Adrian Le Blanc
April 19, 2020
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.
Michael Daisey
April 19, 2020
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.
John Smithy
April 19, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
May 10, 2013
Many many fond memories of Mr. Handy. My condolences to the Handy family
Dawn Norman
May 9, 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.
Maxine Chisholm
May 1, 2013
My condolences to the Handy family. I know how much Otis will be missed by you.
Larry Waters
April 29, 2013
We met at VFW events thanks for your service. He was a good post commander.We will miss you.Larry Waters State Commander VFW
Monica Riordan
April 28, 2013
a great teacher and a great man rest in peace <3
Dr. Elton Maddox
April 27, 2013
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.
Kelly (Humphries) Hayes
April 27, 2013
RIP Mr Handy. You were a great teacher and mentor. You will truly be missed. One of the best teachers at SCHS!
Adonest Hall
April 27, 2013
Remembering your great love story today and always.
James Brown /Post 615
April 26, 2013
A Grate man from a grate Generation.
Tailakesha Miller-Webb
April 26, 2013
To The Handy Family. May God Bless and watch over you during this time. Mr Handy was a great teacher and a wonderful man. I am now in the military and I thank him for helping to pave the way for me and future generations to come.
Class of 94'
Joan Lingo Tyndall
April 26, 2013
Many fond memories of Mr. Handy from SC class of 75
Phyllis C, Lewis
April 26, 2013
So sorry so many people knew what you did for our country I would have loved to have met you and probably talked to you for days as my dad was in world war 11 and he passed before I was able to talk to him about his duty in the Navy :I hope you can meet him in Heaven and you can tell him of you duties, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR Family and THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
Rose Phillips Bailey
April 26, 2013
To the Handy Family sending our condolences and keeping you all in prayer. SCHS 78 grad. memories of good man of honor,he was friendly always had encouraging word and teaching humorous and his singing rambling rose! Family may these memories bring comfort to all.
Susan Smith McCumbee
April 26, 2013
Mr. Handy was truly an icon. He made school so much more fun. I think we learned more about life. You will forever live on in my memories. R.I.P.
ROBERT GALE
April 26, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dale Swain
April 26, 2013
Mr. Handy was a great Teacher and a wonderful person. His impact on his students was huge!!! Such a caring man...an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to have known him!!!
Dale Swain
Sussex Central Class of 1973
Judy Brittingham Cannon
April 26, 2013
To the Handy family, May God, who watches over us all, give you comfort. Mr Handy was one of the best teachers at Sussex Central High School. He was not only a teacher, a mentor and great individual. He made an positive impact on every one that he met.
Class of 71
Linda Lawson
April 26, 2013
Mr Handy was the best teacher I ever had ! He was not just a teacher, he was also a friend to all of us ! He would make me cry with laughter and I'm sure my classmates will agree ! Mr Handy, you were the best spokesperson for the Class of 81 ! You will be sadly missed ! I Love You, Mr Handy ! Linda Lawson, class of 81...
Harvey Walls
April 26, 2013
The most amazing teacher I had. I learned from him that there are always two sides to a story. I still remember the POD classes. Rest in peace. Class of 71
Stephen Burke
April 26, 2013
One of our treasured soldiers has gone to join those troops in heaven who have ever protected our freedom against all enemies foreign and sometimes even domestic. Thanks for your many services to our country. Former Sgt Stephen Burke D Co 2/502 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam 70,71
Vita Johnson
April 26, 2013
Mr. Handy was a wonderful teacher and full of humor. It was indeed a pleasure to have him as a teacher and he will certainly be missed.
April 26, 2013
Going to class with Mr. Handy was fun. He was a great example that you can teach with humor and compassion. I will miss one of the more memorable SCHS teachers.
Doug Marvel Class of 1977
Laurie (Rogers) Handlin
April 26, 2013
I will always remember his humor and his insightful "Handyism"s. The impact he had on others is evident through the many remembrances and notes in this guest book. RIP Mr. Handy. You were amazing.
Laurie (Rogers) Handlin
April 26, 2013
I'll never forget his quotes, the way he added humor to his teachings and mostly his "Handy-ism"s. RIP Mr. Handy. You had an amazing life, and the impact you had on others is evident through the many notes writeen in this guest book alone.
Fran Donaway
April 26, 2013
Mr. Handy was a wonderful man who made the world a better place with his presence. His spirit will live on in the many people he influenced and touched in such a positive way.
Davita Gardner (Dee Gee)
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy you will be greatly missed. There wasn't a puzzle or brain twister that you didn't figure out eventually. Prayers to the family and rest now.
Connie Gravenor (Lewis)
April 25, 2013
You changed my life and I thank you for all your encouragement.
Justice (Sayleen) Simmons
April 25, 2013
RIP Mr.Handy. I was blessed to have you as my POD teacher. Luckily,"F was never my best on Fridays test!" I can still hear you say that in class.. Your sense of humor is what I will remember the most. You were a positive role model & true blessing.
Connie Gravenor (Lewis)
April 25, 2013
To the Handy family I offer my condolences. Mr.Handy was a great teacher,confidante and friend. He and my father seemed to always have the same opinions on life lessons.His "Handyisms" have helped with many of my decisions in life and I will be forever grateful . From the Class of "73"---Rest in peace.
Michele Bailey
April 25, 2013
He was a very nice teacher and person. I enjoyed being in his class he made learning fun. It was a pleasure to have known him. May he rest in peace.
Mary Jane Yarborough
April 25, 2013
You were a great teach. I always enjoyed your class. You were funny and had some great stories. We learned a lot from you. I often think of you and how much fun we had in your class. God speed. You will be missed. Class of 91.
Tina Fink-Timmons
April 25, 2013
What an amazing teacher, every single day was an adventure filled with much laughter and Handyisms. The Sussex Central Class of 1980 were so fortunate to be your students. Rest in peace in heaven amongst your family and friends...
Steve Tidwell
April 25, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Handy. You were a great man that I will always remember.
JoAnn Callaway
April 25, 2013
RIP Mr. Handy. You have touched so many lives. I will never forget you!
Scott Joseph
April 25, 2013
My best teacher 12th grade P.O.D. ,he tudored me so i could pass english on his own time great guy and a great story teller.
Gerald Miller
April 25, 2013
RIP to one of my mentors, Mr. Handy was and will always be one of the best teachers that graced Sussex Central HS.
April 25, 2013
God gifted you with a unique way of touching lives as you taught your classes. Thank you for sharing with so many - may you enjoy your heavenly rewards! Barbara Marzoa Cooper, Class of '71
iris Einolf
April 25, 2013
Awesome teacher and so glad to have had him..very good and fun times in his class.he will be missed by so many.Rip Mr.Handy
Anita Copes-mitchell
April 25, 2013
MR HANDY I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS FAMOUS QUOTE"F WAS UR BEST ON FRIDAYS TEST" WILL B MISSED GREATLY
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy you will be missed.One of the best teachers..
The eagle feather is the spirit of a fallen warrior
Mary Lisa Clark
April 25, 2013
A Good man with a great sense of humor.
He touched so many lives.
As a teacher, he truly connected with his students. He taught me and my 3 older siblings, and would share tales of the times they had sat in his class.
He was a friend to the Nanticoke people, and would share his knowledge of our history.
He will be missed by many.
~ Safe Journey Mr. Handy ~
Kimberly (Messick) Atkins
April 25, 2013
I am so glad that I was a student of his. Handism will forever live in a fun and wonderful memory. He was special and touched the hearts of those he taught!! graduated 1991
Tom Baker
April 25, 2013
One of the best teachers and nicest human beings I have ever known. You will be missed by many.
Charles Williams
April 25, 2013
Mr.Handy you are going to be missed,had a lot of good times in your class.You taught us some English ,BUT you also taught us how to deal with life outside of school .Now fly high GHS Class68
Scott Stefanec
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He was so funny and made his students want to hear all that he had to offer. He will be missed by all that he touched. May god bless you and all your family. I know you are flying high again with the Tuskegee air men again. It was an honor to be one of your students not just in school but the life lessons that still carry with me to this day. I will never forget you. I know you are with god you will always be loved by so many. Class of 1980 Sussex Central High.
Sandra Neal
April 25, 2013
Cousin Otis was a wonderful encourager and conversationalist.He always made me laugh.I will miss our good times but will enjoy the memories.
April 25, 2013
God certainly had a plan for Mr Handy! He touched many lives and gave guidance to many! He was an amazing man and will be sadly missed! May the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. God bless
Tammy Fox
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was the best teacher that ever entered the doors of Sussex Central High School, a student could not have ever asked for a better teacher.. He made you want to learn! You will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Class of 1987
Sheila Hagen
April 25, 2013
Thank you Mr. Handy for all you have done for so many. You made learning fun ! It was an honor to cross paths with you on this journey. With much respect and admiration, rest easy my friend.
Todd McCabe
April 25, 2013
he was a great man and mentor and the best teacher i ever had well respected by all his students
Tracy Moore
April 25, 2013
I was in Mr. Handy's 1980 graduating class at Sussex Central. He surely was one great teacher and man. Heaven has a true angel.
Tina Steiner
April 25, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Handy. You made high school memorable.
Maryann Hudson-Chambers
April 25, 2013
RIP Great Teacher may he live forever in our hearts
April 25, 2013
Mr handy was a very warm, and wonderful teacher.. There was never a student I knew who did not adore him!! He truly was a great man!! Rest in peace!!
Howard Smack
April 25, 2013
TO THE Handy & Norwood Families
It was truly a pleasure knowing Mr. Handy as a teacher and later in life as a fellow teacher and mentor in the Inian River School District.I said I wanted to be a history teacher like he was when I graduated in 1967, and I accomplish that goal and many more with the great guidance and skills I learned from Mr. Handy& Mr. Hearn I will always have a special place in my heart for this great man and all the great things he inspired and taught me about life, many of his ways of doing things in the classroom and life I practiced in my own life and classrooms . You will sorrowfully be missed. "Go Pioneers"
Billie Jean Sockriter
April 25, 2013
RIP Mr Handy! You were a great teacher!
Diane Waples-Little
April 25, 2013
Thank you Mr. Handy for your intelligence, teachings, support and being a GREAT teacher! The class of '67 @Wm. C. Jason High School will always remember you! God bless your family & know how many lives you touched for the better!
J. Murphy-Chaney
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was a great teacher and wonderful person. He made you want to learn and work hard in his class. Great sense of humor! He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family. SCHS Class of 1983.
April 25, 2013
Mr.Handy you"re a gift from god rest in peace with the maker class of 79
Beth Muscolino (Grantham)
April 25, 2013
RIP Mr. Handy you were a wonderful man and you were loved by many. I was so proud to say my teacher was part of the elite Tuskegee Airmen. What a great teacher, who after all these years never forgot a students face.
Beverly Watson,smith
April 25, 2013
Mr.handy rest in peace, u was a great teachers all of your students love u so much. I am going to miss u
Beverly Watson,smith
April 25, 2013
Mr.handy rest in peace, u was a great teachers all of your students love u so much. I am going to miss i
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was one of our favorite teachers at WCJHS and it was always an honor to be in his presence. His endless wisdom, kindness, warmth and humor will be greatly missed. To the family and all who feel this great loss, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Edna Alford Piper, Dover Delaware
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was one of the nicest men you could ever know. He loved teaching and loved his students. He touched so many lives and will be missed. Deb West Windett, SC Class of 72
cindy west
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was the most funny and enjoyable teacher I ever had at SCHS Class of 92. He will be sadly missed.
J Mangold
April 25, 2013
What a beautiful person. I delivered his meals and he always had a smile on his face. I will miss seeing him. With sympathy and prayers.
ABRAHAM VELEZ
April 25, 2013
REST IN PEACE!!YOU ARE IN THE GREAT ARMS OF THE LORD, AMEN!!!
georgia salazar
April 25, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 25, 2013
Mr.Handy was a Great encourager to me and challanging His students to Be ALL WE can in LIFE !!! Michael G. Daisey the Class of 1984.
Ronshell Shockley
April 25, 2013
Rest in His arms Mr. Handy. You will be missed dearly. Best teacher to come through Sussex Central Sr. High.
Beth Redden
April 25, 2013
Mr. Handy was an awesome teacher and person. He made learning an enjoyable experience and by far was one of the best at SCHS! He was loved by so many students. With deepest sympathy.
Barbara
April 24, 2013
Mr.Handy will be greatly missed. He was the best teacher that ever walked through Sussex Central High School.
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