Everett Lee Handy Jr., 80

Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend – and a man who could fix anything with a motor or a propeller – Everett Handy of Edgewood died July 27, 2012.  Everett lived a full life that revolved around his family, and as any of his friends will attest, he was a kind and generous person, always willing to lend a hand. He lost a courageous battle against cancer just one week short of his 81^st birthday.

Born in the mountains of western NC, he was the son of the late Everette Handy Sr. and Pearl Guaultney. The family moved to Maryland and settled in Long Bar Harbor, beginning Everett’s  life-long love of boating, fishing and crabbing.

He graduated from Old Post Road High School in 1949 and joined the Navy Reserves. About this time, he met Margy Bellmyer, the woman who would capture and hold his heart for the next 60 years. They married just before he went on active duty to serve our country during the Korean Conflict, which included a two-year tour on the USS Lake Champlain and USS Wasp.

Everett enjoyed a 40-year career with Kunkel Service Company and a 20-year retirement repairing lawn mowers for friends and neighbors. He served 29 years as a volunteer in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, patrolling local waters and teaching boating safety. He also was a long-time member of the Gunpowder Neck Boating Activity Boat Club.

Everett’s family includes his wife, Margy; their three children, Beverly Browning (Gary) of Darlington; Anita Bailey (Ben) of Nashville, Tenn.; and Maj. Gen. Russell Handy (JoAnn) of Honolulu, Hawaii; six grandchildren, Shawn Browning (Val), Elizabeth Welsh (Sean), Jennifer Browning (deceased), Emily Handy, Megan Browning, and Jacob Handy; four great grandchildren; and his brothers and sister, Arch L. Handy (Rita) of Bel Air, Arlene Bowen (deceased), and William “Bill” Handy of Rising Sun. 

Visitation is Monday, July 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at McComas Funeral Home in Abingdon. Services are Tuesday, July 31, 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, where Everett was a long-time member. Interment is in the adjoining cemetery, with the Reverend Paul E. Austin officiating. Pallbearers include Everett’s grandchildren, Shawn Browning, Elizabeth and Sean Welsh, Megan Browning, Emily Handy, and Jacob Handy; and friend, Keith Spurlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Trinity Lutheran Church Food Closet Building Fund, 1100 Philadelphia Rd., Joppa, MD, 21085.