Robert Shanaman "Bob" Handly

Robert Shanaman "Bob" Handly, 83, of Tappahannock, died Wednesday, February 12, 2003, while surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his illness, he met each day with courage, dignity, grace and humor. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Richard Jones and Mary Baxter Handly of Philadelphia, Penn. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from North Carolina State College with a B.S. degree in Textile Chemistry. Soon after his marriage to Raye Piland of Oriental, North Carolina, he was called to active service in World War II. Serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and last served as Executive Officer U.S.S. Neuendorf. Following World War II Handly began his career in the textile industry and in 1966 moved with his family to Tappahannock to assume a position as general manager with Virginia Elastic, division of H. Warshow & Sons. He retired as senior vice president after 20 years of service. As an active community member, he was elected and served three consecutive four-year terms on the Essex County Board of Supervisors. A long-standing Episcopalian, Handly was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church spending several years as Senior Warden. An advocate for education, Mr. Handly served 20 years on the Board of Directors for St. Margaret’s School, including several terms as chairman. In addition, he served on the Diocese of Virginia Episcopal Church Schools as well as the Board of the Rappahannock Community College. Other community commitments included sitting on the Board of Tidewater Hospital, the Virginia Board of Prisons and serving as President of the Gywnnfield Association. Also, he was a founding member of the Essex Men’s Club. Handly was supportive of environmental conservation especially for the Rappahnnock River. He was an avid boatsman and fisherman and operated a Charter Service out of Reedville. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Raye Piland Handly; and three children, Nancy Elizabeth Handly of Seattle, Patricia Handly-Johnson and her husband Michael Johnson of Miami Beach, and Robert S. "Bud" Handly Jr. and his wife Cyanne Yates Handly of Richmond; one grandchild, Tye Kevin Fussell and his wife Tracie of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and one great-grandchild, Eleri Belle Fussell, also of Brooklyn. The Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tappahannock, Va., followed by the burial service and reception at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Essex Public Library, General Delivery, Tappahannock, Va., 22560.