William C. Handy Sr.

Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, he was the son of Chester Alvin Handy and Margaret Mary Handy. He graduated from Brockton High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1963 to 1989. He retired honorably as a Senior Chief in Electronic Warfare and was awarded the Gallantry Cross for service during the Vietnam Era. He continued his faithful public service as a Corrections Officer for the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office from 1990 until his retirement in 2000.

He was a devoted parishioner of Saint Anne Catholic Church in Bellview, Florida where he was a member of multiple ministries to include the Legion of Mary, Parish Advisory Council, Eucharistic Ministers, and Lectors. He enjoyed solving the Pensacola News Journal’s daily crossword, volunteering with the 11th Hour program at Covenant Care Hospice Center, reading books on military history, coin-collecting, traveling the country with his wife and poodles, and watching golf on the weekends. The steadfast love he displayed to his family and friends was only surpassed by his commitment to loving and serving the Lord. His qualities of immense compassion and integrity are the most impactful pieces of his legacy which will live in the hearts of those that knew and loved him.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his sisters Lenore Papagolos and Mary Ann Titterington as well as his eldest daughter, Cynthia Villarreal and her husband Jesus; twin sons, William C. Handy Jr and his wife Anna; Carl Handy and his wife Ximena; youngest daughter Nora Ramos and her husband Hector. William Chester Handy, Sr’s grandchildren are Angelia Parati (and her husband Robert) and David Villarreal; Alexis, Sophie, and Scarlett Handy; Valerie Handy; and Kaden and Eli Ramos. His blended family consists of son, Michael Swimm and daughters Julie Swimm and Lori Agler as well as their 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Not to be forgotten, he will also be dearly missed by his beloved poodle, Lola Marlane Handy.

Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Services will be held at Saint Anne Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with a rosary to commence at 11:30 AM, and Mass to follow at 12:00 PM. The interment will begin at 2:00 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Disabled American Veterans and The Humane Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EasternGateMemorial.com for the Handy family.