About
Donald Handy Obituary
Don pursued a career in nursing with passion and determination. He earned his Associate of Science in Nursing from Santa Fe College and went on to complete both his bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Chamberlain University. His academic accomplishments reflect not only his intelligence but also his unwavering desire to care for others.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Tamara Marie (Ragsdale), and his children: Carston, Madi, Evan, Emily, Ryan, and Jaycee. He also shared part of his life with former spouse Heather Viessman. Don was the cherished son of Stewart and Joan Handy and son-in-law to Jay and Deborah Pruden. His sister Kimberly George and her husband Jonathan George were close to his heart, as was his sister-in-law Kristen Bouler and brother-in-law Corby Richardson with his wife Sara Mefford. Don was also cherished by a nephew and nieces, along with numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Don's zest for life was evident in everything he did. He enjoyed riding on his Harley through country roads and relaxing in the pool surrounded by friends and family. A devoted sports fan and avid traveler, he found happiness both in cheering from the sidelines "Go Gators" and exploring new places.
Known affectionately as the "scary uncle" with a heart of gold, Don was a legendary prankster whose dad jokes were both groan-worthy and unforgettable. In honor of this legacy, those attending the service are encouraged to write down and bring your best dad joke or you may leave one in the comments - a tribute that would surely make Don smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Gainesville Women's Club, 2809 West University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32607.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michele Kraenkel
May 17, 2025
It is with deep sympathy and heartache that I send my condolences. I´m grateful I had the chance to spend time with you and Tamara in March for your parents 80th birthday. What a beautiful family you have. Time goes by so quickly and now we are at a crossroads of life that none of us intend on crossing this soon. You were the sweetest young boy and such a smart, handsome, devoted and funny man. You were a man´s man and a ladies man. I think you were 11 when Alex and I took you to a Bryan Adams concert in Germany. You thought it was so funny that I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the way home on the train. And proceeded to take pictures. Don, you will be missed, yet never forgotten. We will all hear your laughter and remember your jokes. Rest in peace my friend. I loved you like a brother.
Miranda Chesser
May 16, 2025
Don and I went through Santa Fe College's Associate of Science in Nursing program together. Don was always so kind and caring and had a wonderfully infectious laugh. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
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Christina Proctor
May 10, 2025
Mr. Don, am missing you already.. I was running down the hallway yesterday. And I could hear you saying "young lady walk, dont run, you scare me when you run. And beside running wont get you there faster, just makes you fall". Mr. Don, am going to miss your hugs, and the look that said "everything is going to be okay!". You are and always will be the best.... Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Erika Diaz Centeno
May 9, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May Don Rest in peace and my deepest condolences for you (Tamara) and the rest of the family
Beth Tappy Glidden
May 8, 2025
Tamra and family ~
Please accept my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Don at a party a few summers ago & he was just a kind, genuine soul. He was easy to talk you and very engaging. I know how much he was loved by you all. May you cherish all of the milestones and memories.
Praying for peace & comfort in the days ahead.
Gabe
May 7, 2025
I was hesitant to write on this for the reason that I still look for you man.
Walking my bike through the halls of east waiting to hear you say something of the walls out of left field have us both laughing our butts off like, are we even at work??? lol. You taught me a lot and gave me advise like I needed to hear it no sugarcoat. You'll forever live in memory. Like when you teamed up with great coworkers and you knew I was dedicated to work I caught buses, rides, walked from cross town. AND YOU HANDED ME KEYS TO A VAN, and said that YOU WANTED THIS FOR ME. I forever hold many memories man. Love and miss you brother.
I bet your up there riding a Golden Harley as I write this.
miss my work uncle deeply.
emily handy
May 6, 2025
Words can´t express how i feel with you being gone. tbh i don´t even think i have processed it. i wanna tell myself that you are just on vacation somewhere and is gonna come home but i know i cant.
Lakasha Sheppard
May 6, 2025
There are no words no matter how kind that will mend your hearts. Your hearts are broken; lives turned inside out. And you're now having to navigate thru a life in a way no one saw coming. I Pray that each of you pullout the Don Handy Strength that he has left each of you with and lean on one another & continue making beautiful memories as Don would want each of you to do.
Nora R. Martin
May 6, 2025
I didn´t know Don but he must have been pretty special to make Tamara so happy. I am very sorry for your heartache and pray the Lord will comfort you all during this season of grief.
Emily Handy
May 6, 2025
Shirlene
May 6, 2025
What a special person
Prayers for his family.
Linda Kinney
May 6, 2025
My sincere condolences to your family.
Linda Kinney,
Lauren Lambert´s aunt
Micah Blakeslee
May 6, 2025
I only knew Don in passing, but all of my memories of him are good. He and his family have left a massive impact on my life - as much as anyone who shares the same last name as me. They are, in every way that truly matters, family. My heart breaks for them all. God bless you all and thank you for all that you do and everything you have been and continue to be.
Alene Williams Hampton
May 6, 2025
To Emily and Jaycee, I am truly sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. I know he loved both of you very much. Remember all the great memories and just know that he will always be with you all in your hearts. Love you both and may God grant the strength that is needed in this difficult time. From Mrs. Alene Hampton
RosalindRoz0910
May 5, 2025
Rosalind Green it was a pleasure working with you.
Rebecca Livingston
May 5, 2025
Don,
My fondest memory of you was from high school when you would play practical jokes on all the girls! You were always smiling and your laugh was infectious. You kept me in tears laughing in all the classes we had together. Then you would pick on me every chance you got when we worked together briefly in IR. God needed a little more comedy in heaven I guess. RIP my friend until we see each other again!
Rebecca Livingston
Jaycee Ragsdale
May 5, 2025
I´ll love and miss you so much, you were the best dad i could have ever asked for. You always made me laugh and somehow managed to always make me groan at the horrible jokes you used to tell me. You were always there for me when I needed help or just a shoulder to cry on, or when i just needed a hug. I wish we could have had more time together to do things like go to more TOOL concerts or to make you help me do the dishes(because you always told me i never loaded the dish washer correctly). I will always be thinking of you even years from now, from any stupid bob evan's that i pass or when i hear a Pink Floyd song come onto the radio. I hope i can continue to smile and laugh whenever I think of you.
Jaycee Ragsdale
May 5, 2025
I´ll love and miss you so much, you were the best dad i could ever have asked for. You always made me laugh and somehow managed to always make me groan at the horrible jokes you used to tell me. You were always there for me when I needed help or just a shoulder to cry on, or when i just needed a hug. I wish we could have had more time together to do things like go to more TOOL concerts or to make you help me do the dishes(because you always told me i never loaded the dish washer correctly). I will always be thinking of you even years from now, from any stupid bob evan´s that i pass or when i hear a Pink Floyd song come onto the radio. I hope i can continue to smile and laugh every time that I think of you.
Carston Handy
May 5, 2025
Love you dad
Emily Handy
May 5, 2025
Dad i love you so much and i´m gonna miss you everyday.
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