Robert Thomas Handlee

HANDLEE Robert Thomas Handlee, 76, left us on Tuesday October 28, 2003 following an extended illness. Robert was born on January 20, 1927 in Jacksonville, FLorida to Christopher and Sally Handlee. He attended Kansas State Teachers College and obtained a certificate in industrial arts in 1948. Following military service in the U S Navy and U S Army, he worked with Colgate-Palmolive as their territorial salesperson in central Florida, which required traveling away from his family. To stop traveling and be closer to his family he returned to school and obtained a Journeyman Electrical license, and worked as an industrial electrician for St. Regis Paper Company, from which he retired after more than 35 years of service. Following retirement, he became a known craftsman in making shrimp and baiting nets. Our father and PaPa was devoted to his family to make them safe and taught that there is no substitute for hard work, and that the most important things in life are family and honesty. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Beverlee; 2 brothers, Christopher and William Francis (Happy); 2 sisters, Alberta Fernley and Louise Perkins. Dad is survived by daughters, Patricia Lee Hanna and Penny Lynn Handlee; grandchildren, Kenneth R. Moore and K. J. Handlee-Davis; 1 great grandchild, Jimmy Walters; a special person, Jennifer Rivera; 2 sisters, Mary-Jeanette Upshaw and WilaMina Vige, and his dog Pug. Graveside funeral services will be held 11am Friday, October 31, in Evergreen Cemetery (enter through gate #2) with members of The Oceanway Masonic Lodge #279 officiating. Our father and PaPa requested that memorials be made to Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Fl. 32257, because of the help they gave to many of his friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm Thursday, October 30 at George H. Hewell and Son Northside Funeral Home. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com